Rheinmetall To Provide ZSU With 35mm Ammunition For Gepard SPAA
Rheinmetall, a leading German defense company, has confirmed the delivery of 180,000 rounds of 35mm ammunition for Ukraine’s Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft systems. This shipment, funded by the German government and valued in the high double-digit million euro range, is part of ongoing efforts to bolster Ukraine’s defense against aerial threats, particularly drones.
The Gepard system, originally developed for the German Bundeswehr, is vital to Ukraine’s air defense strategy. Designed to counter low-altitude airborne targets, the Gepard is equipped with twin 35mm Oerlikon cannons capable of engaging drones, helicopters, and other aerial platforms. The supplied ammunition is crucial for the Ukrainian anti-aircraft defenses as they continue to suffer wide shortages of munitions. Despite the fact of the utilization of many platforms, the continuous attacks on Kyiv’s critical infrastructure already depleted many systems, including German-manufactured IRIS-T anti-air missiles.
This marks the second significant batch of ammunition Rheinmetall has provided for Ukraine, following a previous delivery of 300,000 rounds in 2023. The new production is taking place at Rheinmetall’s Unterlüß facility. The delivery demonstrates the continued cooperation between Germany and Ukraine in reinforcing defensive capabilities amidst ongoing regional tensions. Previously in 2024 Ukraine placed orders on Rheinmetall’s KF-41 Infantry Fighting Vehicles. a sign of cooperation between the company and the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.
The Gepard systems have proven to be a valuable asset for Ukraine, particularly in countering threats posed by Iranian-made Shahed or ‘Geran’ drones. With their rapid-fire capability and advanced targeting systems, Gepards have been instrumental in mitigating risks to critical infrastructure and urban areas. The additional ammunition aims to ensure these systems remain operationally effective in the face of increasing demands. The delivery underscores the nuances of the support provided by Germany to Ukraine, emphasizing a commitment to strengthening air defense systems in light of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine.