Germany to send Gepard vehicles to Ukraine
Gerpard is equipped with onboard radar and two 35-mm weapons. (Photo: German MoD)
Gepard was among the main systems operated by the German Army's Anti-Aircraft Force until the unit was dissolved and the platform was retired in 2010.
The German Minister of Defence, Christine Lambrecht announced on 26 April export approval of Gepard self-propelled guns to Ukraine in order to support its fight against Russia's invasion.
It is the first time Germany will provide heavy military equipment to Ukrainian Armed Forces since the conflict started.
Featuring the engine and chassis of the Leopard 1, Gepard is equipped with an onboard radar and two 35-mm weapons. It can provide protection to ground troops from low-flying aircraft and helicopters in addition to engaging ground targets.
Gepard was among the main systems operated by the German Army's Anti-Aircraft Force until the unit was dissolved and the platform was retired in 2010.
Shephard Defence Insight notes that the vehicle was developed in the 1960s to meet a German Army requirement for a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun that could support its armoured forces.
The first of 420 systems entered service in 1975. During the Cold War, Gepard was employed at the divisional level, with each armoured and mechanized division receiving an air defence regiment equipped with 36 Gepard vehicles.
More from Land Warfare
-
![AM General sheds light on Humvee Saber]()
AM General sheds light on Humvee Saber
AM General expects to complete work on a new lightweight Humvee tactical vehicle prototype by Q3 this year.
-
![NATO member state orders force protection equipment from Rheinmetall]()
NATO member state orders force protection equipment from Rheinmetall
Rheinmetall has received ‘major orders’ worth about €250 million from an unnamed NATO customer for force protection equipment.
-
![Czech IFV plan suffers yet another delay]()
Czech IFV plan suffers yet another delay
The Czech IFV programme was due to gain some much-needed clarity by April, but instead it has suffered another delay and its future remains unclear.
-
![State Department gives green light to Egypt TOW sale]()
State Department gives green light to Egypt TOW sale
The TOW missile has been exported to more than 45 countries.
-
![Czechs backfill Ukraine donations with German Leopards]()
Czechs backfill Ukraine donations with German Leopards
Will the donation and sale of Leopard MBTs from Germany to the Czech Republic lead to closer defence cooperation?
