Germany's KNDS proposes Gepard anti-aircraft vehicle upgrade as system proves effective in Ukraine.

The German-made Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft system, a product of the Cold War developed by the German Defense company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (now KNDS-Germany) in the 1960s, has proven itself to be a surprisingly effective asset on today’s Ukrainian battlefield. Based on the chassis of the Leopard 1 tank, this system, initially designed to counter Soviet aerial threats during the Cold War, is now playing a crucial role in Ukraine’s air defense efforts against the Russian invasion. 
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The German-made Gepard, a Cold War-era air defense system, proves its effectiveness on Ukraine’s battlefield today. (Picture source: Ukrainian army)

German-made Gepard air defense vehicle success in Ukraine has led to a recent proposal from KNDS Deutschland for an upgraded version, featuring a modernized radar and enhanced tracking capabilities. This upgrade aims to further bolster the Gepard's ability to intercept an even wider array of aerial threats, including more sophisticated drones and missiles, ensuring the Gepard remains a formidable asset in Ukraine’s air defense strategy for the future.

A major factor behind the German-made air defense vehicle Gepard’s resurgence on the modern battlefield is its advanced radar system. While the Gepard’s design dates back several decades, its radar technology remains competitive thanks to its dual-radar setup. The system is equipped with both S-band search radar and Ku-band tracking radar that allow it to simultaneously detect and engage multiple targets in real time. The S-band radar offers a detection range of up to 15 kilometers, while the Ku-band radar ensures precise targeting and engagement of fast-moving threats like drones, loitering munitions, and low-flying aircraft. The ability to lock onto small, fast-moving targets with high accuracy has made the Gepard particularly deadly against drones, which are a significant threat in modern warfare. A former Gepard commander recounted how the system’s radar could reliably track and engage even the smallest of drones, making it an invaluable tool in countering swarms of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The Gepard is armed with two 35mm Oerlikon KDA automatic cannons, capable of firing a combined total of 1,100 rounds per minute. The system’s high rate of fire is perfect for rapidly neutralizing aerial threats at ranges of up to six kilometers and altitudes of up to 3,000 meters. This firepower has proven particularly useful in Ukraine, where the system has successfully shot down Shahed drones and even Russian cruise missiles. By using autocannons instead of more expensive missile systems, the Gepard offers a cost-effective alternative for Ukraine’s air defense needs. This is especially important in a protracted conflict, where managing defense costs is crucial. The low-cost-to-kill ratio of the Gepard has made it an attractive option for Ukraine’s military, allowing them to defend their airspace without relying on expensive missile interceptors.

In one well-documented instance, a Gepard unit near Odesa took down ten Iranian-made Shahed drones in a single engagement. Additionally, a Gepard near Kyiv successfully intercepted a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile, underscoring the system's versatility against a wide range of aerial threats. Built on the robust and reliable Leopard 1 tank chassis, the Gepard offers excellent mobility, both on roads and in off-road conditions. Powered by an 800-horsepower, 10-cylinder multi-fuel engine, the system can reach speeds of up to 65 km/h on roads and 50 km/h off-road. This makes it highly adaptable and capable of quickly redeploying to key locations across the battlefield. Ukrainian forces have been able to move Gepards to vital infrastructure points, including power plants, military bases, and government buildings, to protect them from Russian aerial attacks. The Gepard’s tracked design allows it to easily traverse rough terrain, a significant advantage over wheeled vehicles that may struggle in similar conditions. Moreover, the system’s auxiliary power unit ensures that its radar and fire-control systems can remain operational even when the engine is off, making it more effective in long-duration operations or when stealth is needed.

Germany has been a key partner in supporting Ukraine’s air defense needs, initially providing several Gepard units to bolster the country’s defense against Russian aerial threats. Further contributions have come from countries like Jordan and Qatar, which have also supplied additional Gepard systems to Ukraine. To ensure the Gepard’s continued effectiveness, Rheinmetall, a German defense company, has taken on the task of producing new 35mm ammunition for the system. This production effort has been vital in addressing supply shortages and ensuring that the Gepard remains ready for action in Ukraine’s defense efforts.

Despite its age, the Gepard has proven to be a highly reliable and effective air defense asset for Ukraine. Its performance has prompted KNDS Deutschland to propose an upgrade, which, according to a report from Ukrainian website Defense Express published on February 2, 2025, will involve modernizing the radar system and improving the tracking capabilities. The aim of these upgrades is to enable the Gepard to better counter a broader range of aerial threats, including advanced and high-speed drones, and potentially even hypersonic missiles. With the modernization of the radar and fire-control systems, the Gepard will be equipped to handle evolving threats on the battlefield, ensuring that it remains a relevant and highly effective air defense tool for Ukraine in the years to come.

The Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft system has proven to be a formidable asset, combining radar sophistication, firepower, mobility, and cost-effectiveness. Its continued success on the battlefield is a testament to the system’s enduring value, even decades after its initial development. The proposed upgrades by KNDS Deutschland are set to enhance the system’s capabilities even further, ensuring that the Gepard remains a critical component of Ukraine’s air defense strategy in the years to come. With the cost-to-kill ratio still highly favorable, the Gepard will likely continue to play a significant role in Ukraine’s defense efforts for the foreseeable future, complementing more advanced missile defense systems while offering a flexible, reliable, and cost-effective solution to counter aerial threats.