This footage, provided by the Ukrainian military, shows one of their Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft systems, donated courtesy of Germany. It is being used to destroy Russian Shahed and Geran drones, a role in which the Gepard has enjoyed great success.

The Gepard was originally built by Germany in the 1970s on a Leopard 1 tank chassis, for the purpose of replacing the American-made M42 “Duster” self-propelled anti-aircraft battery. Since replacing the Gepard with the newer Wiezel 2 Ozelot system in 2010, Germany has sold and lent the Gepard system to various countries- interestingly, the Gepard is often part of the security package for high-profile soccer (football) matches in South America and the Middle East.

The Gepard depends upon twin Oerlikon GDF autocannons with a combined fire rate of 1,100 rounds per minute. Having no missile armament (such as Stinger or RedEye) is what led to the Gepard first being accompanied by Stinger teams, and eventually replaced by the Ozelot in Germany. However, the Gepard is performing so well in Ukraine, particularly against Shahed drones (one unit alone has claimed 10 drones and 2 cruise missiles), that in May 2023, Germany bought back 15 Gepard tanks from Qatar for over twice what they were sold for, in order to retrofit and send them to Ukraine.

By contrast, only one Gepard is currently known to have been damaged by Russian loitering munitions; while it was initially reported to be knocked out, it was later found to still be functional.

 

About the Author

 

       

     

Cole Simms

     

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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