Defence company Rheinmetall has announced it will supply Ukraine with 180,000 rounds of 35mm High Explosive Incendiary with Tracer (HEI-T) ammunition for the Gepard anti-aircraft gun.
According to Rheinmetall, the new order was placed by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence in December 2024 and is valued in the high double-digit million euro range, funded by the German government.
Rheinmetall stated that deliveries are expected to begin in 2026. The ammunition will be manufactured at the company’s facility in Unterlüß, where production capacity was significantly expanded in 2023 due to increased demand for 35mm ammunition.
This marks a continuation of Rheinmetall’s support for Ukraine, which began with an order in February 2023 for 300,000 rounds of Gepard ammunition. The Gepard system has proven effective in Ukraine’s air defence efforts, targeting airborne threats such as drones. To date, Germany has transferred 55 Gepard anti-aircraft tanks to Ukraine, which had been decommissioned by the Bundeswehr.
These systems have been operational in Ukraine’s air defence for over two years.
Beyond Gepard ammunition, Rheinmetall has supplied Ukraine with advanced air defence systems, including the Skynex system, which uses programmable AHEAD airburst ammunition. The company emphasised its position as a global leader in cannon-based air defence systems, offering an integrated portfolio that includes fire control systems, missile launchers, radar technologies, and air surveillance systems.
This latest order reflects the ongoing international support for Ukraine’s defence capabilities, with Rheinmetall reaffirming its role in enhancing air defence systems worldwide.
“Germany has transferred 55 Gepard anti-aircraft tanks to Ukraine, which had been decommissioned by the Bundeswehr.”
You have to wonder, how many systems/ vehicles have been decommissioned when they would still viable against Russia’s sub-par military. Obviously some things are just too old to find spare parts for, or are just knackered from use, or are now a danger to their operators. But you have to wonder if some things should have been retained as war reserve…
Im pretty sure in Germany it is not unusual for Surplus Kit to be returned to it’s Original Manufacturer,to do with it as they see fit.Also some Private Companies/Third Parties hoover up some Equipment as well,like in the case of a lot of Leopard 1’s and other Kit Warehoused somewhere in Belgium waiting for an opportunity to be passed on ( for a profit ).
At least they Germans (industry) keep a fair amount of their old kit. We put all ours down range as hard targets.
So true . Can’t help thinking that the 420 Chally 1’s that we practically gifted to Jordan wouldn’t be out to very good use in the hands of Ukraine. Let’s hope that when we phase out or Warrior IFV without replacement ( a barking mad decision) they don’t meet a similar fate.
Remember what happened the last time ze Germans f¥€£ed with Russia and Ivan had no nukes back then.
Make peace you imbeciles. 🫶☮️