Ukraine: The German-made anti-aircraft gun taking down Russian drones

Ukraine has been using the German-made Gepard anti-aircraft gun to shoot down Russia's Shahed-136 drones.
The Iranian-made Shahed loitering munitions have been implemented by Russia to strike Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
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[@JohnHill-qo3hb]

So the weapon system that was conceived/built a decade or so ago, that never saw action, that was deemed obsolete, put in storage pending disposal, has been sent to a desperate country fighting a ruthless enemy has proven to be one of, if not the most effective, weapon against a weapon system that had not been thought of when the Gepard was in its prime... who'd of thought.

[@AlbertZonneveld]

The Gepard was created as a support weapon for front lines to protect against helicopters and low level aircraft. But it was expected to be targetted trough it's radar and as anti-tank an anti-radar missiles got more accurate the Gepard lost it's front line role in NATO. But it is still usefull in protecting infrastructure and bases where is has a much lower risk of itself being target.

[@JelMain]

The Gephard was 1970s technology, updated until technology made its fundamental design history. The UK contributed the Spartan/Scimitar light tanks, which spearhead the breakthroughs, from the same generation. Those drones are NOT a weapons system, they're just remotely-piloted bombs. Not even cruise missiles.

[@FranciscoGonzalez-ki7km]

Conceived/built a decade ago? Think again. It started development in the sixties and entered service in 1976. It was phased out about a decade ago.

[@darryljones3009]

I mean a lot of the drones in service now don't fly any faster or higher than the biplanes used in WW1 and even the MQ-9 Reaper is comparable to WW2 planes. In the Cold War with advent of jet aircraft anti-aircraft guns were largely abandoned as a concept in favour of surface-to-air missiles, but now with drones it does make sense for them to make a comeback.

[@streaky81]

Yeah it's because all they've got is old/surplus stuff, it's all they've been given. If the west had given Ukraine CAMM-ER and some predator dones with Brimstone missiles this would be much more fun, so yeah absolutely things like this are proving useful relatively in the battlespace. Sad thing for Russia is it doesn't say much about their kit..

[@derkarhu5079]

Great to hear that Germany's contributions are proving effective in these roles...the ammunition is much cheaper than rockets, and they work at almost any range or elevation.

[@NotUnymous]

They are short-ranke only. Thats their role. And it's an very important one :-)

[@sirgutz8335]

if the ammunition would not be the problem. the swiss forbidden that the ammunition will be export to a third country like the ukraine....

[@alexsandrkerensky7457]

Is that right? Any range or elevation? 😂

[@daydays12]

@@sirgutz8335 Why do the Swiss think that way? It's awful!

[@sirgutz8335]

@@daydays12 official because of "neutrality" unofficial they fear that daddy putin and the kleptomaniac oligarchs will pull the money out of the swiss.

[@pfefferle74]

As a German, I'm so relieved to hear that the Gepard isn't just a token contribution but turns out to be actual quite useful in shooting down drones, which is quite a surprise, considering that suicide drones weren't on the strategic "radar" yet when these things were built. Now I just wish Switzerland would release the ammunition resupply for it.

[@Big1_]

What are you talking about? The radar detects flying objects, it doesnt matter if its a drone flying low, a flying Volkswagen Beetle or your ass flying at 200 kmh... The radar will fix you and shoot you... No rocket space science here... Sorry....

[@fnafiboy9071]

As a Russian, I don't understand why European citizens don't analyze the facts. You are sure that we are the aggressors. But you don't notice how NATO has been systematically expanding to the east. As Putin has been calling on all countries to come to an agreement and stop the escalation since 2000. Like Putin, he offered to join NATO. Look at his 2007 speech, it's not for nothing that Time magazine identified Putin as the person of the year. But it's easier for you to consider Russians savages, instead of admitting your mistakes. I hope you start thinking.

[@kti5682]

Supposedly you can attack ground targets with the Gepard as well. Maybe that's why there is no lower speed limit?

[@trockner9341]

No, the pukeranians are fine, they should just surrender.

[@KFC1948]

Switzerland is fearing the departure of all the Russian Oligarchs that have there multi-million Dollar Chalets around Lac Leman 🤔

[@flashnfantasy]

Gepard was withdrawn from service in 2012 and never saw combat before. This is actually a system from the museum. In the 2000 the gepard was upgraded with a new fire control system, that is still one of the best of it's kind. And now it is saving ukrainian infrastructure and lives.

[@Micha-qv5uf]

It doesn't matter that its old. Flaks didn't really change in the last 100 years. What changed is fire control and amunition which you can implement in any system really.

[@geroutathat]

Really? Russia blew up a whole batallion of s300 missiles once they found out where it is, these things last about as long as russia doesnt know where they are. It's also costing lives and infrastructure, because unlike France who surrendered to save their city, ukraine has been emboldened to keep fighting. All we are seeing is destroyed area after destroyed area. Every night millions in kyiv undergo rolling blackouts etc.

[@alfnoakes392]

Well observed. Very much a case of using the appropriate (in terms of technical complexity, relative ease of crew training, and ammunition cost) tool to get the job done. The 'low and slow' drone targets it is being used against will very much be within the capabilities of such a capable "system from the museum".

[@felixyoghurt3291]

Gepard was the descendent from Skyguard which descended from Superfledmaus, Solis and Portein AA fire control systems, all worked with Oerlikon 35 cannons. There are still counties around the world with Oerlikons and it looks like Gepard uses the same ammo so I'd imagine that there must be a lot of 35mm HE ammo still available. Part of the training for Oerlikon gunners was done with radio control planes as a target flown out a km or 2 on a range so this cannon is the ideal take down weapon for drones.

[@davids8127]

Its a great system against these slow drones and cheaper solution than anti air missiles. I hope they will receive a few more along with mantis

[@felixalbion]

As a Brit I can say Germany should be proud of all the help they are giving Ukraine. Well done Germany. Slava Ukraine.🇺🇦🇬🇧🇬🇧🇺🇦

[@svens.3839]

Dankeschön.... Heroyam Slava 🇺🇦

[@Stefan_Dahn]

🇩🇪❤️🇺🇦❤️🇬🇧

[@twohands4pan778]

Danke Felix, thank you

[@JCElzinga]

I dont get why people have to say 'as a X' why would anyone care where you are from?

[@sebasstein7014]

And as a German I`m happy UK supported Ukraine so much as well. Well done UK. Slava Ukraine. 🇺🇦🇬🇧🇩🇪🇺🇦

[@footofblut981]

Gepard: I’ve been waiting for this moment all my live

[@h.a.9880]

As a German, I am very happy that the Gepard does such a great job of defending Ukrainian cities and civilians. Every weapon helps Ukraine win against the aggressor, but the Gepard does so in a really noble way, by protecting civilians. A shame Swiss doesn't allow us to sent our entire stockpile of ammo, but I think BOFORS still makes compatible 35mm ammo, so if push comes to shove, Germany (or some other partner) can just buy a bunch of that and ship it to Ukraine. *EDIT:* Rheinmetal bought a Spanish ammo manifacturer for compatible ammo. You read that right. They didn't buy ammo from that manifacturer, they bought the _manifacturer._

[@toragodzen]

Vielen Dank, Deutschland! ✌️🇩🇪🇺🇦🙏 ❤️

[@germanCrowbar]

Genau, und Sie Pillemaππin bezahlen den ganzen ®otz?

[@jankrusat2150]

I have read that the German government found a company in Norway, which is making this ammunition and is not bound by the Swiss embargo.

[@h.a.9880]

@@toragodzen Danke danke... I wish my nation would send more. I really hope Ukraine will get some Marder APCs and Leopard tanks. The Gepards must feel lonely without their old buddies Marder and Leopard.

[@armadspengler2717]

Maybe the new Brazilian government will also give some of their Gepard ammo to Ukraine after Putin ally Bolsonaro is out of office.

[@marcelhannotte7624]

German engineering is amazing and when it's used to save lives like this it shows the German people really do have the biggest hearts in EU

[@saxon..falkenhayn2908]

We should not be helping the Slavs

[@HelpNickname]

@@saxon..falkenhayn2908 we should help People who just want live in Freedom and being attackd by others

[@distomos8118]

@@saxon..falkenhayn2908 Oh.., da ist ja wieder einer von denn, die alles ins „rechte“ Licht rücken.

[@paulbedichek5177]

Germany has been the worlds source of pure evil from 1910 till today,they do not support Ukraine and do not give them the Gepahard,they say they will, but they are the worst at weapons shipments ,which combined with the tens of billions they send to Putin,to this day for fossil furled shows the true nature of the German people. The Chinese and Russians have no votes, it is Germans who freely and of their own volition, send money to Putin and pictures to Ukraine.

[@saxon..falkenhayn2908]

@@HelpNickname it is not our war.. the Russians conquered Berlin 1945.. we tried saving Europa but we had to fight the world

[@izetosmani]

Thank you Germany

[@santokun5835]

@@jumbotyson3788 How’s the 5 ruble/day scheme going on, zBro?

[@DerWaldBistDu]

When Germany delivers, it delivers properly

[@HaleG9]

@Will he heck as like never - too afraid of the Russians and too stingy - as usual.

[@Saxondog]

German technology is some of the best in the world. Not only militarily. I use German gardening equipment and window cleaning tools. I know that I can trust the quality of engineering involved.

[@jankrusat2150]

@Will he heck as like The French Caesar howitzers have already made an impact, e.g. with retaking Snake island.

[@pynn1000]

@Will he heck as like France is on a par with the US and the UK in the amount of aid, both military and humanitarian, in terms of proportion of GDP, but the real champions are Estonia, Latvia and Poland, who've all donated multiples, again in terms of GDP. (Kiel Institute, Germany, tracks.)

[@DerWaldBistDu]

@@Saxondog I am happy to hear that and it makes me proud. We do it, and we do it properly. We get annoyed when things don't work. Life is valuable, human time is precious, and it makes no sense becoming ineffective thru bad gear and equipment, in the military or elsewhere.

[@willsmithens5529]

Not only 'german-made' but its also an original german design. In fact the Gepard was the 1st ever of its kind and had already existed and been in service with the german armed forces years before the world-famous soviet-russian Tunguska AA has been created - which is a very similar system and design.

[@waswolltihr1526]

I'm afraid that's not entirely correct. ZSU 23 Shilka has been in service since 1960 while Gepard entered service in 1976.

[@OpenGL4ever]

@@waswolltihr1526 Flakpanzer IV was introduced in 1944.

[@majormononoke8958]

@@OpenGL4ever Dont forget the Tragmad 295 made by the french 1917

[@evo3s75]

the Tungushka isn't similar tho

[@CHMichael]

I had this one as a toy over 40y ago.

[@justeliashere]

German engineering never fails the world Edit: Damn I feel bad for Germans having to keep on dealing with people bringing up WW2. We all are coming together to support Ukraine.

[@nhatho1723]

you must have never owned a BMW

[@justeliashere]

@@GGkorok why?

[@otakunthevegan4206]

But it failed Germany xD

[@dynaflow666]

@@GGkorok I guess it wasn`t a matter of bad engineering, there were other factors like a oil-shortage, overstretching the fronts and the stupid idea to fight against the rest of the world (literally).

[@justeliashere]

@@GGkorok i wouldn't say it failed. Other factors came into play. You have to visualize how Germany's blitzkrieg was so effective they almost took over the whole entire continent of Europe within a short amount of time. Then America and Britain came. Shows impressive engineering if you ask me. not defending them. even the allies have acknowledged how Germany's tech was so sophisticated for its time in the past

[@dmytroputrin980]

Thanks Germany for support. German military technics even looks impressive. I also have very good feedbacks about Gepards as well as Iris. And counter-battery radar. All this things provide for our country other level of defence and save our lives.

[@clutch3171]

As a Ukrainian, I am very proud of a German technological advances and their engineering geniuses. Keep up the good work. They are the real creators of this "pro" stuff. Dont ever believe the Kremlin propaganda, USSR had stolen most of their warfare plans and military drafts / sketches from West. They arent really that smart. Plus scientifically and generally on life organisation - Germany and their nation is something to aim for. So I wish you good luck, keep up the good work and a big thank you !

[@CCumva]

As a Ukrainian, I'm lucky to be alive, considering that my city was encircled for weeks. I'm extremely grateful for all the military help democratic countries provide. Thank you, Germany! Democracies kick ass 💪🏻

[@roybollo6659]

slava ukrain !!! greetings from the netherlands

[@Rayblondie]

Yes thank you Germany. The communists took half of your country instead of setting it free like the west. It's glad to see you standing up for another country under oppression.

[@JCD275]

Greetings from the uk - how can the public help? I've worked in conflict zones (afghanistan) before. Its horrific what is happening to your country. I would love to visit once the situation improves. In the meantime if there is anything we can do to help

[@roybollo6659]

@@JCD275 europe help ukraine .... wth weapons .... the netherlands to

[@Besenwesen80]

As a kid, the Gepard was my favourite tank because it just looks cool with the twin guns. I am so happy to finally see it in action… although the reasons for that are terrible :(

[@Rayblondie]

War is terrible but all Ukraine is doing is defending their country. Can you imagine the slaughter if they surrendered knowing what the Russina are like? They have no choice.

[@kailashrava]

Made in Germany always best quality 💪👍

[@yukuzoona6604]

not in future anymore.. EU brought us millions of muslims and africans which will change the country drastically soon. a countrys makes the people live in it not the borders.

[@nightizzat4574]

Just w8 China copy it and make it cheaper

[@VastHorizons71]

@@nightizzat4574 it’ll be cheap Garbage like everything else china produces

[@VastHorizons71]

German engineering has always been the best!

[@ig-anzros01]

@@nightizzat4574 yea

[@christianterrill3503]

What a badass looking weapons system

[@kristoffermangila]

And the Gepard was built in the '70s...

[@ThisIsStartingToAnnoyMe]

It reminds me of the Duster I was on in the Vietnam war. It was dual 40mm guns on a light tank chassis that shot anti-aircraft shells. They explode and made flak. The enemy didn't have aircraft of course. We used them in ground support role, perimeter defense, convoy defense, etc. The turret was not enclosed so we stood on top; two gunners, two loaders, and a squad leader.

[@christianterrill3503]

@@kristoffermangila lots of good looking stuff came out of the 70s ;)

[@kristoffermangila]

@@christianterrill3503 true, true.

[@pablom-f8762]

Right out of BattleMech. Sexy.

[@highroller6244]

Its kinda funny that the "Gepard" was developed before Drones were a real thing but its still performing well against some of them.

[@juhajuntunen7866]

Suitable "bodyguard" for powerplant or other important place.

[@baronvonklik7159]

How do you know? No proof seen as yet.

[@rocketassistedgoat1079]

@@baronvonklik7159 Lol, we just SAW proof. Trump supporter/apologist perchance? Because you seem to be impervious to reality...

[@webcrawler9782]

@@baronvonklik7159 there was an interview af an Ukrainian Gepard crew where they stated that is is very easy to shoot down Shahed 136. The radar has no problems tracking and locking them. They even shot down swarms of drones, balistic missiles and jets.

[@santokun5835]

@@baronvonklik7159 How do I know you are a real person? No proof seen yet. Could be an alien tbh

[@terrynewsome6698]

Thanks Norway for the ammo, you are better than Switzerland on that. 🇧🇻

[@Roomer645]

Switzerland is like France, only looking out for themselves.

[@popo3122]

When something happens to Switzerland everybody will stay neutral.

[@terrynewsome6698]

@@popo3122 probably not, just because it is right in the heart of NATO

[@hg6996]

So imagine that the old Gepard from the 1970ies is considered superior compared to Russian systems while being put out of service in most counties by the end of the 1990ies as at that time it was considered not to be up to date any more. That's the state of Russias military.

[@omarbouaarfa7895]

Well all modern missile SPAAs would be considered as less effective than the gepard in this specific role.

[@minimaxmiaandme.4971]

Yet the oligarchs have the latest boats, cars etc.etc......you know where the money went.

[@JAnx01]

And you actually believe this nonsense? This guy is talking about the effectiveness of a system against Russian drones and cruise missiles, a system that isn't even used by Ukraine and only entered service with the Russian army in 2012. How you can accept anything from such a "reputable" source is beyond me. No other country has developed a SHORAD system even remotely close to the capabilities of the Pantsir. I talked about its non-existent "radar problems" in another post. The problems with the publicized failures with the Pantsirs in Syria have completely different reasons than claimed by the media.

[@Ukie88]

Ruzzian military is a joke. Recruits need to mutiny now before the are killed in the front or shot in the back by their commissars and so called corrupt and drunken commanders.🇺🇦🇨🇦

[@Ukie88]

@@minimaxmiaandme.4971 Thieves the lot of them. Take everything away and reimburse Ukraine who has earned it, since the oligorcs didn’t care about their own workers who worked for it.

[@umbrellacorporation3206]

Love from Germany!🇺🇦🇩🇪♥️ SLAVA UKRAINI!!

[@antoinedebiran3000]

u are some kind of German Azov or what ?

[@waliza001]

@@antoinedebiran3000 shhhhhh. German-ukrainian cooperation has a quite long history.......

[@lildiscostu]

Nice to see Gepard getting to work. In the times I served on it (late 1990s), we were only able to shoot at propeller-driven aircraft for training with blanks, but it never saw real action and we never knew if it was effective at all. Who would have thought, this outdated weapon system becomes relevant in the 21st century warfare. And even in the role of protecting civilian lives...

[@godwrote01]

Guys yes Swiss will not deliver - but the ammo is in production and rheinmetall just bought a factory in spain to produce more

[@geopolitix7770]

That's ridiculous. How p*ssed off will the Germans be with the Swiss for having to mess around and waste time like this? Are the Swiss really as arrogant as they're coming across in this matter?

[@godwrote01]

@@geopolitix7770 they are not mad they searched for a solution and fixed the problem

[@geopolitix7770]

@@godwrote01 I am very happy to hear they have found a solution. But I wish they could put their effort and money elsewhere. On the bright side, does this mean Germany can make millions of rounds and get the rest of its Gepards out of storage...cause I think there's nearly 500 mothballed??

[@godwrote01]

@@geopolitix7770 i do not have that information - as far i know - germany dismissed all gepard units and sold them to different countries like brazil and romania ? The Gepards they sent were the last they had

[@geopolitix7770]

@@godwrote01had a quick and slightly unfruitful search and DW were reporting back in May that "The German manufacturer of the Gepard, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, has technically refurbished mothballed tanks from earlier German military stocks. A total of 50 Gepards could be made available" . I'm not clear if that means they only had 50 in storage or if that's 50 that are easy to get going again.

[@joem5903]

35mm not 30mm. But it shows that you can teach an old dog new tricks. The Gepard is supposed to be obsolete, but now we discover that it works well against drones/loitering munitions.

[@zafranorbian757]

The Gepard was thought to be obsolete because we thought that in a modern conflict nobody would be stupid enough to do low flying attacks when you can use a precision smart weapon from kilometers away. It just turned out that that does not meet the reality of whe war we find now. The Gepard itselve was at all times perfectly able to track and destroy anything within its range.

[@theRealJohnErtel]

Only obsolete against modern nato equipment... it's an amazing AA tank.

[@paxundpeace9970]

@Wilhelm Eley It is even far cheaper probably less then 400 Dollar for a burst of 20 rounds

[@samisuhonen9815]

And it works well if your other AA systems force enemy planes and helicopters to fly low. For example, NATO should really reconsider autocannon based proximity or variable timing SPAA vehicles. Systems that use their own radar to detect and lock onto low flying targets, calculate the lead, and then fire a massive amount of explosives to detonate at the calculated intercept point. NATO 5th gen fighter jets (aka US planes F-35 and F-22) already dominate the skies together with the AWACS planes and huge fleets of 4.5 gen jets. So the only viable path for hostile airforces becomes flying really low to strike their targets. And having some SPAA vehicles that can be really easily moved to guard key objectives like cities, command centers, or warehouses? That would be really handy to counter drones AND low flying enemy planes/helicopters.

[@joem5903]

@@samisuhonen9815 where it gets interesting is when you start talking about the guided projectiles. I am 99% sure they have one as small is the 57 mm and they may have a 40 mm.

[@james64ibm]

There were a lot of people wondering here in Germany why on earth the Gepard was withdrawn from active service ... turns out it was just a Special Retirement Operation so that they could be sent to Ukraine faster without anyone lamenting that they would be missing in the German army ;) Seriously though, while it may have a distinct Cold War look, it's just insanely cool, and it might be by sheer coincidence the closest thing to an effective anti-drone weapon until more specialized systems enter service. I also have the sneaking suspicion that even the Puma won't be able to fill the gap left by the Gepard at least for another ten years. However, for now the Gepard has finally found its purpose in life protecting Ukrainians, and I very much hope it makes life hell for any Russian (drone) pilot. Happy hunting and Слава Україні!

[@uwethamm1538]

I was just 18 years old when I went with my dad on an Airshow close to Stuttgart Germany, My dad was the lucky one and the officer invited him inside the tank. He gave him a simulation. I just watched outside the turret engaging everything from glider aircraft to jets in the traffic circuit. My dad told me later that the computer was aware of all targets and even model planes were on the menu. Multiple fire options and the officer told him the sky would have been cleaned up in minutes. Now my dad lives in Poland and told me yesterday he still can't believe that this tank is needed to support Ukraine in the fight against Putin. He is afraid of living so close to the border to Ukraine. Poland and Ukraine became friends in this fight against an evil enemy. Slava Ukraine.

[@zero.Identity]

well, he doesnt have to be afraid of that. they are actually overpowered for what they are mainly used in the ukrain rn. its made to shoot down helicopters, planes etc. these relatively stupid drones, which can be seen by the tank about 14km before they you are even in their range, have baiscally no chance to hit if noticed. but me personally, im just waiting for germany to buy and give ukraine a Panther KF51 from Rheinmetal. i REALLY want to see that new beast in action. THAT would be a game changer.

[@minimaxmiaandme.4971]

Anything German made is top-notch......quality all the way.

[@julosx]

In Germany they know a lot about FLAK system, don't they ? An old tradition in this country.

[@paulpanter1092]

@@julosx the german FLAK-Vierling from WW2 would be nice against drones, 4 x 20 mm explosives

[@filipjelavic1127]

Wirbelwind would be proud!

[@oleriis-vestergaard6844]

In My time in the danish army under a nato-campage in germany in the 1980 year i drove past a Gepard anti-air panzer and man its big and tall and with the Leopard under-chassis making it look strong and powerfull , the radar-dome at the top really seems to listen for targets when in action

[@Msevertrue147]

Bravo Ukrainian soldiers 🇺🇦👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 thank you for Germany 🇩🇪

[@123jogger123]

Hopefully our government will send more - greetings from Germany 🙂

[@p.h.3987]

@@123jogger123 SWITZERLAND blocks the ammunition! Not Germany. Get your information right.

[@daydays12]

@@123jogger123 I hope so; they're really needed!!!

[@danielwhyatt3278]

@@123jogger123 From all of us in Britain, we reeeally hope so. It's brilliant to see these now finally in Ukraine after much delay long with the Panzer mobile guns. German enginering rocks.

[@Maus5482]

Danke an die Ukraine 🇺🇦🇩🇪🇩🇪🇺🇦

[@michaelplurad4879]

That thing's design looks sick

[@AlvinakdtheChipmunks]

Proud of my country🇩🇪🇺🇦☝

[@philchristmas4071]

As an American I'm proud of our allie for providing these great weapons to Ukraine. Such as the Gepard, Leapord, Iris T, PZH 2000, and Marders. 🇺🇸🇺🇦🇩🇪

[@JDSFLA]

I have been waiting for information on the Gepard's effectiveness. Thanks

[@rrrhh6168]

I always loved the Gepard for its looks, glad it is performing in its role well and protect people

[@2tone753]

As a German I can only say that it makes me very happy that the Gepard is doing a good job. The protection of the civilian population was reason enough to leave it to Ukraine. Now I just wish that the Leo and Marder will be refueled as soon as possible and then transferred to the Ukraine. Then let's see how quickly it will be over for the Russians.

[@elvis2495]

"... it will all be over for the Russians". Scary coming out of the lips of a German!

[@2tone753]

@@elvis2495 This did not mean murder but the expulsion of the Russian army from Ukraine. I think you know that too, but you can cause a little discord. It is bad that millions and millions of Russians and Ukrainians were killed by us Germans. I would not have thought, that the Russian victims of that time act almost exactly the same way today.

[@waliza001]

German proud of german equipment fighting on the Eastern Front :)) That's something new :))))

[@2tone753]

@@waliza001 I am proud that German weapons are helping to drive out an aggressor who commits war crimes and much more. Each destroyed drone can no longer kill Ukrainian civilians such as elderly, women and children. As a German, I know from our past what an aggressor can do.

[@dennishoffmann2612]

Russia is already preparing for the loss or anything going wrong... they have the efense minister and the other guy which have now the command over the troops as a straw doll..... so if russian army fails it is the mistake of these 2 guys but not Putin.... if the russian army will have success. putin will be the first on tv who claims the successs for him..... Putin just prepares for an eventually loss in the war but to keep his presidency.... but putin and his friends are not the future for Russia, hopefully the russian people will see that too, but it is hard for them to realize the truth due to the fake news all day long in russian Media

[@TheNigelrojo]

I remember watching Gepard firing on the range at Munsterlager in 1987. It's a fearsome bit of kit.

[@nvelsen1975]

I've watched a Cheetah (Dutch version with an upgraded radar) during a firing demonstration. That thing was spitting out hate at an impressive rate. The whole chassis was shocking and being pushed backwards because of the violence of the barrage. I still have a shell casing that they handed out to the kids after. I did end up signing up for Afghanistan eventually, so I guess the army demonstration days like that did work.

[@0Turbox]

A buddy of mine was a gunner on one of them.

[@HaleG9]

Vorsprung durch Technik

[@joshuam.6027]

Germany never lost it's industrial sophistication. Good one Germany. Slava Ukraini!

[@nursekovalchuk1221]

Thanks Germany from Ukraine

[@pbxn-3rdx-85percent]

I've considered buying a miniature Gepard when the mosquitoes started getting out of control in my place. I'm quite sure the radar would detect these pesky bugs, afterall it's groovy 70s tech and also German made.

[@tHeWasTeDYouTh]

FINALLY the Gepard has its day!

[@theRealJohnErtel]

The Gepard is an awesome AA tank. It was my favorite in War Thunder. It works so well for AA because when you fire it basically shoots a cluster that spreads out to something like a 30'x30' area so even if some miss, some are definitely going to hit. It's a FAST tank too. The armor piercing ammo rounds can actually be used to take out a lot of light and some medium tanks.

[@samisuhonen9815]

It's even way better in real life, as it regularly shoots air bursting ammo. In WT the Gepard only gets ammo that detonates on direct hit. It really shows that the company is Russian owned. Russian BMP's and tanks have unrealistically strong armor, create zero spalling, and their BMP gets imaginary APFSDS belts that were never issued. NATO hardware is nerfed because "specs aren't official and they are classified" or they just leave out features of NATO kit that make them weaker. I mean they should definitely make a 9.0 or higher version of Gepard with air bursting belts.

[@iloveaviation-burgerclub-a8145]

Right. I'd like to see theUkranians firing in the russian trenches from elevated position. Just to make them lose last bits of hope. The German interpretation of "BRRRRRRRRRRT"

[@Lonewolfmike]

@@iloveaviation-burgerclub-a8145 Actually the old Bofors 40 mm AA guns were used like that in the past. As the Chieftain calls it a "severe emotional event."

[@iloveaviation-burgerclub-a8145]

@@Lonewolfmike now, kherson, elevated position. Imagine delivering a 15 sec burst each full hour for 5 to 7 days. And now imagine what happens in the trenches when you fire 15 sec at 12:30 on the 6th or 8th day. Panic. Roach run. Crushed moral. Fear. Those'd become tumb nucklers same as we would when beeing exposed to this.

[@iloveaviation-burgerclub-a8145]

Or you fire in the rythm of the ukranian anthem 👌🤣

[@RandomGuy9]

The Gepard is a beautiful vehicle. No matter how old it is.

[@TuRmIx96]

And this is not even peak German tech, this stuff is old and discontinued and yet still way ahead of the ruski tech. If I remember corretly way over 30 years old at this point.

[@knietiefimdispo2458]

Introduced december 12th 1976

[@heinedenmark]

The Gepard is a beast

[@buravan1512]

Not really.

[@heinedenmark]

@@buravan1512 Meh

[@santokun5835]

FREE THE LEOPARDS!

[@lennardschneider6847]

Ukraine could also use Mantis Systems to defend their borders. But it's a stationary system, so that's for later... I am also very happy my country finally delivered some decent stuff... X-) Love from Germany 🇩🇪❤️💛🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦💛💙

[@knietiefimdispo2458]

Mantis was Devepoled by Oerlikon. Today it is produced by Rheinmetall Air Defense in .... guess where? SWITZERLAND ;- )

[@sp7873]

@@knietiefimdispo2458 man deliver ammo for the Gepard before boasting supplying parts of systems..

[@DarknessInferno15]

Yeah, knew I recognized a Gepard when I saw one. Very effective piece of kit.

[@envysart797]

It’s funny because this type of direct anti-air didnt see as much use as it used to because of MANPADS generally being cheaper to deploy and easier to train on. Stingers and the likes of the Polish Piorun system were getting a lot of recorded kills, especially on helicopters. With all these drone and cruise missile attacks, it seems the Gepard has found a niche where it really does an efficient job.

[@ohhello3234]

Don't think that is correct. Apparently it was also very useful in protecting the Kharkiv offensive. Seems like it has some advantages against planes and helicopters as well.

[@zero.Identity]

@@ohhello3234 well.. yeah. thats because thats its intended use. its just so efficient for what he mentioned, because its basically the same but easier to hit etc. which is coincidentally the even greater strength then its intended use. which wasnt known before because back when it was built, drones werent really a thing.

[@richardkudrna7503]

I love that the old Gepard gets a chance to shine here.

[@outdoorolli5754]

The cheetahs were maintained in the barracks where I did my military service in the late 80s. They were "rolling earthquakes" - monsterously loud and thunderously vibrating. Compared to these raw pieces - even when the mighty Oerlikon guns weren't firing - our "Roland" anti air missle tanks were mere toys.

[@trepyton]

germany=quality

[@bettyswallocks6411]

The Geppard does not have the range of a missile, but it has lethality on its side. One pilot said that if you know a Geppard has locked its radar on to you, the only option is to eject.

[@Tollp4ch]

german engineering

[@sebasstein7014]

New Gepards will surely not appear because that weapon system is out of production since many years now. All the Gepards Germany sent Ukraine were retired storage units.

[@slushymoto1365]

@@sebasstein7014 MANTIS could be a good alternative to Gepard for the Ukraine armed forces in the near future.

[@armadspengler2717]

@@slushymoto1365 Exactly my thoughts. Give them Mantis. Both as stationary as well as selfpropelled systems. No better way to field-test them!

[@AbuHajarAlBugatti]

@@armadspengler2717 stick to video games

[@armadspengler2717]

@@AbuHajarAlBugatti LOL Mr. "Bugatti". I stopped playing video games some 20 years ago.

[@greva2904]

Gotta love the footage of Russians diving for cover from their own missile!

[@erwinsegers3696]

I was a nco on the Gepard in the 80's in Belgian army ! wonderfull peace of techno 🙂

[@Eyyoh755]

The Gepard sounds like: "Get some! Get some! Get some!..."

[@Largeportion1000]

German Tec has always been Excellent, such dedication to quality.

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

bravo Germany (finally)

[@bigmike3964]

German engineering is top notch, wish they would sent more to really make a difference

[@d.o.g573]

there are only 50 left in Germany....

[@hofnaerrchen]

Also opens the question: Why was the Gepard phased out in Germany? Looks like it's still more than up to task of doing the job it was build for.

[@BountyFlamor]

Maintenance cost were too high. They were replaced by MANTIS.

[@martin-justsomerandomgerma1043]

That Tank is heavy in price, The Chassi for The weapon Plattform is basicly Leopard 1 Battle Tank

[@germanCrowbar]

Der Kalte Krieg war vorbei und für heutige Standards zu wenige Schuss im Magazin.

[@waswolltihr1526]

Because modern aircraft have missiles with longer range than Gepard. It can be easily taken out with for example a Maverick or Hellfire fired from an aircraft with a targeting pod that is miles away or just flies too high for Gepard to reach it.

[@tobiwan001]

@@BountyFlamor Technically, it was replaced by the Wiesel 2 Ozelot for the accompanying air defence role and the MANTIS for stationary. However, now the Ozelot will be replaced likely by a Rheinmetall Skyranger module mounted on a GTK Boxer chassis which would mean a 30mm gun plus missiles. The maintenance cost was one problem, the other was long training for the crews and the third was the lack of commonality of the munition. Which is the main problem in the current situation.

[@PicklesofRedemption]

The Gepard is so awesome

[@asterixdogmatix1073]

Always great to hear Justin's aviation related expertise.

[@serdarcam99]

Oh gepard my fearful enemy on war thunder this things are beast

[@wankawanka3053]

Germany may have been tamed but their weapons never fail to deliver

[@UkrozaVR]

Thanks for all the help we are getting, we appriciate it very much!

[@Andyb2379]

Looks a mean piece of kit. Hopefully it does the job

[@NotUnymous]

It's doing it for month already in Ukraine ;-)

[@geopolitix7770]

I am absolutely appalled at the reluctance of the Swiss to allow Germany to send the necessary ammo to Ukraine. How can they say the support Ukraine with civilian equipment but then not provide defensive ammo that would prevent the equipment (and ppl around it) getting destroyed in the first place?

[@Roomer645]

Switserland doesn't care about any other country but itself. Facts .... How do you think they got so rich in the 1st place. They profit in Europe when they can (made trillions in banking) and when it's not conveniant for them they hide behind their 'neutral' status.

[@geroutathat]

Fairly easily, would you like the swiss to allow russia to move weapons through their land to attack france? No, so they cant allow weapons through to attack russia. Fair play to them, not everyone has to bend over for america.

[@geopolitix7770]

@@geroutathat well that's a reply that's stupider than i anticipated.

[@nikiTricoteuse]

Thanks for the great explanation for all us non military folk following the war in Ukraine. Concise and easy to understand.

[@mikepembo8297]

I imagine flak type rounds which detonate are also preferred in built up areas. Like the C-RAM you'd want to avoid lobbing munitions toward a target that's between you and a city.

[@colin8696908]

remember 5-10 years ago when military youtubers were talking about how useless AA cannons were because of their range and the fact that you had to drag all ammo around with you. Well look who's laughing now those things are prefect for hitting drones.

[@thierrymad9743]

French here; the Gepard looks impresive and very effective against drones. With have great European defense manufacturers serving all dimensions. We should pull-up our ressources together instead of buying US (and ITAR restricted) material such as the F35. We need to develop our European autonomy if another crazy win the US election and stop supporting NATO.

[@juergenbubeck]

German here. I totally agree with you on that.

[@michaeldewitz1940]

As a German, I am disappointed by the cooperation between France and Germany in the armaments sector. However, I blame France for this (perhaps also because I am not informed enough). The FCAS is a good example. Germany is supposed to pay for the greater part of the development, but the components are to be manufactured mainly by French industry. In addition, with the larger share of the development costs, we should also finance the development of systems that may then only be used by France. We will have to pay for the developement of technology, we will not get accesss to.

[@thierrymad9743]

@@michaeldewitz1940 I follow the FCAS from afar but my perception is that it is more Dassault unwillingness (and desire to protect its lucrative Rafal business) than the French gov to be blamed. The issue we have to resolve at European level is the industrial workshare. The pity is that instead of specializing our national/local industry, all 27 members want a share of it. So we end-up doing everything and nothing and barely able to compete outside of the EU. If we only take the Air Force, there are plenty of room to develop Fighter jet, tanker, small/medium/large transport aircraft, Coast guard, search&rescue helicopter, transport helicopter, tactical helicopter, light/medium/heavy drones, etc. You name it. There are more components in one single dimension than EU member states. And I'm not talking about land, sea, space, cyber... We should collectively accept for a given weapon system that a given EU company (not even a country) is prime contractor and that it can select its EU suppliers based on competition. Political Joint Venture made of natural competitors is design to fail (ex. EPI for the TP400 engine)

[@gilbertroberttuahuru4715]

Yeah ☺️ to Germany for the great 👌 support to the Ukrainian army of soldiers may you be blessed with all our friendly countries too prayers for you 💕 all.

[@Mondaventure]

German technology on the right side shooting stuff down 👍🏼🇩🇪

[@mrvn000]

Not the right side. Entschuldigung.

[@nvelsen1975]

@@mrvn000 That sounds strange. Germany is supporting Ukraine against Russia, which is the only correct position.

[@paraguard60]

@@mrvn000 If it deters the murdering and raping Orc´s, it´s fighting on the right side!! (Da braucht es keine Entschuldigung!)

[@nightizzat4574]

Hey let's say we shoot Elon musk rocket to say that gtfo of my sky this is Germany we control the sky now.

[@stahlknecht7872]

💙🔱💛 LEO 2 for Ukraine !!

[@Humpelstilzchen]

Funny... Some months ago everybody had a good laugh about our Gepards. Seems like they are not that useless as this KZbin weapon experts said back then. 😂

[@Roomer645]

They are perfect for their role there. There are drawbacks though as it runs out of ammo quickly and reloading takes a long time. Also, the system is complex and making sure everything stays in working order could be a challenge however certain features are not needed like IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) and other critical NATO stuff so that makes it easier. An outdated system but right now perfect for Ukraine.

[@VulcanM61]

How can you not love it.

[@nightizzat4574]

KZbin can sometimes make us joyful.

[@whitebeauty759]

PRTL Geweldig !!

[@knietiefimdispo2458]

They told us that they cannot send Gepard to Ukraine because a soldier needs at least 1 year of training before he can operate it properly. Looks like the german polititians thought the Ukrainians are as dumb as them. Greetings from Germany ;- )

[@fullgreys0n738]

You won't find any source claiming that...

[@ErdoganIstKeinZiegenfi...]

@@fullgreys0n738 im german too and the public political discussion was indeed full of this "argument" to delay decisive military equipment deliveries. They cant use it anyway so why send it.

[@Roomer645]

It take a long time to train people to use Gepard to the max. I was a commander and instructor on that system (and the improved version) for many years. However, in Ukraine a lot of things are not really an issue. Airspace control now isn't the same as in a Nato conflict. They operate solo and not within a moving brigade No need to operate IFF in a proper way Etc etc etc All these things shave off a lot of time.

[@arnovriends5873]

As for the nincompoop and his "expertise" the Gepard does NOT have 30mm guns but Oerlikon GDF 35mm guns. Why do these "experts" look as if they're not even drinking age btw?

[@Roomer645]

They are posers .... I know pretty much everything about the system as i was a commander and instructor for many many years.

[@Ekstrax]

I love this, the Gepard has been my favourite tank since i was little sat in a decomissioned one last year

[@eisen.dieter]

Where the Gepard strikes, all that's left is minced meat

[@ronaldrebulanan7327]

Germany's military equipments are reliable & effective. It's the Same with other German civilian products it's durable, high quality

[@susanchan250]

Cold war era's weapon finds its second life in modern day.

[@DavidLS1]

Well done, Germany! 🇩🇪 🇺🇲

[@LeadingInnovations]

German Tech helping Ukraine fight the intruders.. I dislike our gouverment for still not sending Leopard tanks to this brave army. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦❤🇩🇪

[@volgantifriebus9549]

Thank you

[@Slithermotion]

Well technicly the gepard is armed with Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon which are swiss made, but the company (was bought) is owned by rheinmetall which is german.

[@PresidentEvil]

who cares

[@sirgutz8335]

@@PresidentEvil the ukrains must cares, because the swiss dont deliver ammunition for the gepard....

[@yomauser]

Nobody asked. A lot of western weapon systems are made from parts of different western countries anyway

[@sp7873]

the whole system is designed by Rheinmetall. the Abrams tank also has gun barrel from Rheinmetall.. that doesnt make it a german tank..

[@Slithermotion]

@@yomauser The title is wrong. I don‘t care either but the germans do because they can‘t export the 35mm ammunition because it‘d swiss made and under swiss law countries are not allowed to reexport swiss ammunition in a conflict zone…hence why the title of the video is wrong and doesn‘t really explain the problematic part of the system…. But I guess not everyone is a fan of knowledge.

[@cattleherder1912]

It reminds me of an ostwind! Very interesting. Also glad its getting the job done!

[@gregwilliamson3001]

I'm glad that you are using a knowledgeable person like Justin. 👍🏻

[@anselmdanker9519]

Great performance of the Gepard.

[@sebth5165]

Well spended taxes, i wish we would send more of our German engineering Stuff ;)

[@whitepony8443]

Guntank! My guy, it cannot be cooler than this.

[@agps4418]

this would be a good test for rheinmetall's anti-drone system. saw their vid some weeks ago.

[@johnk8988]

I love the German war machinery, the germans are always one step ahead in design. I love the German world war two weapons also especially the stuka dive bomber.

[@carpenterfamily6198]

That’s great ~ I hope Ukraine gets many of those German units.

[@scratchy996]

Would be nice, but the problem is the ammo. The Swiss build it and have a copyright on it lot of it, but they don't want to sell it to Ukraine.

[@thomas__da]

they get already 30 self-propelled anti-aircraft guns GEPARD including circa 6.000 rounds of ammunition

[@antman7673]

The glowing bullets in the next night, could be a scene from Star Wars,

[@RonLWilson]

This gun system with radars et al could be mounted on an airship to cover a wider area behind the lines and be vectored toward in coming UAVs such as those targeting a city or critical infrastructure. Also, it could defend itself against any missile attacks as well.

[@robertjames6640]

The German 88 was an incredible gun during WW2. It seems Germany has not lost its touch in building this kind of weapon.