Designed and manufactured by Germany during the Cold War, the Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft artillery system is experiencing a second life in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Despite the sophistication of Western-origin missile-based air defense systems, the reality imposed by three years of conflict required the adoption of more efficient solutions to counter the threat of Russian drones. Thus, the Flakpanzer Gepard, despite its maintenance and sustainment challenges, has become one of the most appreciated and valued platforms by Ukrainian forces, providing short- and very-short-range air defense capabilities, including terminal defense against unmanned vehicles.
Against this backdrop, and following the conclusion of the DSEI International Exhibition in the United Kingdom, a notable proposal appears to be emerging after meetings between the Ukrainian Minister of Defense, Denys Shmyhal, and representatives of KNDS Deutschland, led by its director Ralf Ketzel. Currently, the German company, together with others, provides significant support for various systems and platforms of German origin in service with Ukrainian forces.
According to reports published on its Telegram channel, the Ministry of Defense stated that during the meeting “special attention was given to innovative solutions in the field of air defense,” adding that “… the implementation of joint agreements on supplies, technical support, and joint production of Gepard air defense systems was discussed. Emphasis was placed on the work of the joint venture that KNDS is launching in partnership with a major Ukrainian manufacturer.”
The mention of the possibility of resuming Gepard production is noteworthy, particularly since the system has not been in production for decades. For this reason, much of the Flakpanzer equipment transferred to Ukraine has come from the stocks of European armed forces that had been retired and placed in storage.
In more detail, since the confirmation of the beginning of transfers in 2023, it was indicated that the models provided were those that had served for years in the German Army, and even those that had served in the Dutch Army — designated Cheetah — which were later repurchased by the United States from Jordan, the country to which they had been sold after the end of the Cold War.
As of today, the mention of “joint production” of the Gepard remains striking, opening the door to various speculations, such as whether the announcement made by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense refers to the production of essential components for its operation and sustainment. Or, alternatively, whether it points toward a possible modernization previously proposed by KNDS itself.
Finally, it should be noted that, given the renewed interest in gun-based air defense artillery — which has become one of the solutions to counter drones and loitering munitions due to its greater efficiency both operationally and financially — KNDS is betting on a complete new family of platforms based on its Skyranger system. This system is being integrated into both tracked and wheeled vehicles, as demonstrated by its mounting on Leopard 2 and Lynx chassis, as well as on Boxer and Pandur armored vehicles.
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