The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has placed a new order with Rheinmetall for 180,000 rounds of 35mm HEI-T (High Explosive Incendiary with Tracer) ammunition to support its Gepard anti-aircraft systems.
The deal, valued in the high double-digit million euro range, is being funded by Germany and reflects the ongoing commitment of Western allies to bolster Ukraine’s air defense capabilities amid the ongoing war.
This latest order, finalized in December 2024, follows a prior agreement from February 2023 when Rheinmetall supplied 300,000 rounds of Gepard ammunition to Ukraine.
The Gepard systems, originally decommissioned by the German Bundeswehr, have become a crucial component of Ukraine’s air defense, especially effective against aerial threats such as drones.
Germany has so far delivered 55 Gepard anti-aircraft systems to Ukraine, all of which have proven their effectiveness over two years of combat operations. These systems are designed to provide rapid response against low-altitude threats and have been instrumental in countering Russia’s drone and cruise missile attacks.
To meet the surging demand for 35mm ammunition, Rheinmetall rebuilt its production line in Unterlüß, Germany, at significant expense and within a tight timeframe in the spring of 2023.
The ammunition, designed for the Gepard’s twin 35mm cannons, is capable of neutralizing fast-moving targets with precision, making it essential for countering the drone warfare that has become a staple of the conflict.