Germany to supply Ukraine with ammo for Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns

Germany will soon deliver to Ukraine the first batch of ammunition for Gepard anti-aircraft self-propelled guns (SPAs), which Berlin has handed over to Kyiv, Report informs via Bild newspaper.

According to the paper, in order to increase the production of anti-aircraft shells, Rheinmetall launched a new line at a plant in Unterlüß (Lower Saxony) in a few months.

“These products save lives. Every downed drone is important for the residents of Kyiv and other cities, who daily fear new attacks,” said Armin Papperger, head of Rheinmetall.

The newspaper notes that Berlin delivered 40 Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns to Ukraine. They are used, among other things, to protect Ukrainian cities from Russian shelling.

They fire up to 20 rounds in one burst. But due to a shortage of ammunition, Ukrainian anti-aircraft gunners are forced to save money and fire five rounds instead of 20.

In total, the Rheinmetall defense concern promised to supply Ukraine with 300,000 35-mm shells for Gepard. But this year only 40,000 units will be sent.