Belgium Unlocks 15 Stored Gepard Systems for Ukraine’s Drone Defense Fight Against Russia

Belgium is moving to acquire and refurbish 15 retired Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft systems for eventual transfer to Ukraine, in a bid to strengthen the country’s short-range air defense capabilities, according to Zona Militar on April 26.

The plan forms part of a broader $1.17 billion (€1 billion) military aid package approved by the Belgian government earlier this month, aimed at supporting Kyiv in the near future.

The systems are currently held by OIP, the Belgian subsidiary of Israel’s Elbit Systems. These units were previously operated by the Belgian Army before being phased out in the early 2000s after more than 30 years of service, and later sold to the company.

Zona Militar reports that the refurbishment process will be divided between work on the chassis and upgrades to the combat systems.

Belgian companies are expected to handle repairs to the vehicle platforms, while Ukrainian firms will likely take on the overhaul of the turrets, which are equipped with twin 35 mm cannons and short-range radar for target detection.

Although the exact cost of the work has not been disclosed, Zona Militar notes that the arrangement reflects a joint effort between Belgian and Ukrainian industry to return the systems to operational status.

Ukrainian forces are already familiar with the German-designed Gepard, which has proven highly effective on the battlefield, particularly in countering drones and certain types of missile threats.

As Zona Militar highlights, the system is valued for its cost-efficiency compared to more expensive missile-based air defense options.

Most Gepard systems currently in Ukrainian service have been supplied by Germany and partner countries, with Berlin playing a central role in refurbishing the platforms. German defense company Rheinmetall has also been a key supplier of 35 mm ammunition, enabling further transfers from allied nations.

Earlier, reports emerged that Ukraine’s defense industry, working in cooperation with European partners, mastered the repair of Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft systems.

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