Germany has solved the problem with ammunition, so nothing will prevent the transfer of 30 Gepard SCA to Ukraine - Spiegel

By: Elena Shcherban | 09.07.2022, 22:44

Back in April, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced that Germany would send 50 Gepard anti-aircraft systems to Ukraine. In late May, German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht confirmed the transfer of 30 units. But as it turned out, Germany had a problem with this, not with the equipment itself, but with the ammunition.

What was wrong?

Germany only had just under 60,000 35mm shells available for the Gepard. Initially the ammunition was found in South Africa, but Switzerland as their manufacturing country refused to supply the shells, appealing to its neutrality.

But now, according to Spiegel, the search in Norway has been more successful. After weeks of effort, the German government, together with the Norwegian Defense Ministry, has found a local manufacturer that can produce additional 35mm ammunition, government circles said. And next week, these shells will be tested at the Bundeswehr firing range in Putlos (Schleswig-Holstein).

Therefore, nothing will prevent Germany from transferring 30 Gepard to Ukraine. Now Ukrainian servicemen are already undergoing training in Germany, and the equipment itself should arrive this month.

Recall that the Gepard is an anti-aircraft self-propelled launcher designed to cover ground troops and destroy air targets. Gepard can shoot up to 1000 rounds per minute. However, in real conditions it fires short bursts adapted to the target.

Source: Spiegel

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