Germany's Gepard anti-aircraft system to receive upgrades after success in Ukraine

The German-made Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft system, originally developed in the 1960s by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (now KNDS-Germany), has proven remarkably effective in Ukraine’s ongoing battle against Russian aerial threats.

Initially designed during the Cold War to counter Soviet aerial assets, the Gepard has demonstrated impressive capabilities in modern warfare, playing a critical role in Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s invasion, Caliber.Az reports via international media sources.

In response to its success on the Ukrainian battlefield, KNDS Deutschland has proposed an upgrade to the Gepard system. The proposed improvements include a modernized radar and enhanced tracking capabilities, aiming to expand its ability to intercept a broader range of aerial threats. These upgrades are expected to help the Gepard target increasingly sophisticated drones and missiles, reinforcing its role in Ukraine’s future air defence strategy.

One of the key factors behind the Gepard’s resurgence is its advanced radar system, which continues to perform competitively despite the system’s decades-old design. Equipped with dual radar — an S-band search radar and a Ku-band tracking radar — the Gepard can detect and engage multiple targets simultaneously.

The Gepard is equipped with two 35mm Oerlikon KDA automatic cannons, capable of firing 1,100 rounds per minute. These high rates of fire make it an effective weapon against a wide variety of aerial threats, with a range of up to six kilometres and altitudes of up to 3,000 meters. T

Germany has been a key partner in supporting Ukraine’s air defence, initially supplying several Gepard units to help counter Russian air attacks. Other nations, such as Jordan and Qatar, have also contributed additional Gepard systems. To ensure the system remains operational, Rheinmetall, a German defence company, has been producing new 35mm ammunition to address supply shortages and maintain the Gepard’s readiness for continued service in Ukraine.

The Gepard’s blend of radar sophistication, mobility, and firepower has cemented its role as a vital air defence asset for Ukraine. With the proposed upgrades, it is poised to remain an integral part of Ukraine’s defence strategy, complementing more advanced missile systems and offering a flexible, cost-effective solution to counter aerial threats.

The continued success of the Gepard highlights the lasting value of this Cold War-era system, which has proven capable of adapting to modern challenges and will likely continue to play a significant role in Ukraine’s defence for the foreseeable future.

By Tamilla Hasanova