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Rheinmetall to Deliver 180,000 More Rounds to Ukraine for Gepard Systems
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![Ivan_khomenko]( "Ivan Khomenko")
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The German defense company Rheinmetall has secured a contract to supply Ukraine with an additional 180,000 35mm HEI-T (high-explosive incendiary with tracer) rounds for Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft systems.
The deal, finalized in December 2024, is financed by Germany and valued in the high double-digit million euro range.
According to Rheinmetall, the ammunition will be manufactured at its Unterlüß facility in Lower Saxony. The factory underwent significant upgrades in spring 2023 to meet the growing demand for 35mm munitions, driven by Ukraine’s air defense needs. The rounds are designed to effectively counter various aerial threats, including drones.
The Gepard systems, originally decommissioned by the Bundeswehr, have proven effective in Ukraine’s air defense operations, particularly against Iranian-made Shahed drones used by Russia. Since the first deliveries in 2022, Germany has transferred 55 Gepard units to Ukraine.
The Gepard system, equipped with twin 35mm autocannons, is capable of firing up to 1,000 rounds per minute. It is specifically designed to protect ground forces and critical infrastructure from aerial attacks.
Earlier, Germany announced a significant military aid package for Ukraine, including Leopard and Gepard tanks, advanced air defense systems like IRIS-T and Patriot, drones, ammunition, and demining equipment, aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
