The Flakpanzer Gepard is designed to provide mobile air defense coverage for ground units against low-flying aircraft and helicopters. The Flakpanzer Gepard is an air defence module that is built on the frame of the Leopard I main battle tank. The self-propelled anti-aircraft gun [SPAAG] is a mobile air defence system well suited for defending the skies and cities of Ukraine.

Armed with two 35 mm Oerlikon KDA autocannons with a combined rate of fire of 1,100 rounds per minute, this anti-aircraft weapon is perfect for Ukraine. The 35 mm Oerlikon KDA autocannon features a twin belt feed system for different ammunition types. The KDA is a variant of the Oerlikon autocannon introduced in the 1950s. The KDA valiant is designed for self-propelled anti-aircraft gun applications, so we are seeing a relatively old and proven design used to provide a reliable defence system.

A twin feed system for high-explosive [HE] rounds against aircraft and armor-piercing [AP] rounds against armored vehicles. Different Oerlikon autocannon include the KDB, a single belt feed anti-aircraft mount that is lighter and more compact design with a standard belt length of 56 rounds, the KDC is a single feed model that feeds from 7 round clips. The KDE is designed for infantry fighting vehicles that could be magazine fed or connected to a feed system.

The Flakpanzer Gepard was designed back in the 1960s and introduced into the German military in the mid 1970s. The Gepard has been upgraded over the years and is now equipped with independent surveillance and tracking radars to detect and engage targets. The Gepard uses a back-up optical sighting system for passive target acquisition and engagement. The German military has phased out the system and sent 50 refurbished units to Ukraine who have used these systems to great effect.

Yes, Ukraine is hit with Kinzhal air-launched hypersonic ballistic missiles fired from Tu-22M3 bombers, MiG-31K interceptors or some upgraded Su-34 fighter/bombers. Then there is the Zircon Russian Navy scramjet-powered cruise missile that also targets Ukrainian cities. The patriot air defence system takes care of these threats, I am discussing the relatively slow moving Shahed-136 drone. Wasting patriot missiles on the swarms of these drones is a terrible waste of resources or air-to-air missiles. This is where the Gepard air defence system takes out these drones, the Ukrainians are experts at developing and refining new techniques and tactics and will continue to innovate.