Belgium has announced its commitment to provide 15 refurbished Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft systems to Ukraine, further solidifying its support for the nation amidst ongoing conflict with Russia. This military aid is part of a substantial 1-billion-euro ($1.1 billion) assistance package approved by Belgium in early April, as reported by local media sources.
The Gepard systems will be sourced from OIP Land Systems, a division of the Israeli defense company Elbit Systems. These units will undergo refurbishment in Belgium before being delivered to Ukraine. Although specific values and shipment timelines have not been disclosed by Brussels, the historical context of these systems provides insight into their significance.
The Gepard systems being supplied were initially part of Belgium’s fleet of 54 units, which served in the Belgian Army prior to their retirement in the 2000s. After being decommissioned, these vehicles were sold to Sabiex, which was later absorbed by OIP.
This donation aligns with discussions from September 2025, when then-Ukrainian Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal engaged in dialogues with Ralf Ketzel, Managing Director of KNDS Deutschland. These talks revolved around ongoing cooperation regarding the Gepard systems, including aspects of supply, maintenance, and the potential for joint production involving local Ukrainian industry partners.
The Gepard air defense system was originally developed in the 1960s by KNDS, previously known as Krauss-Maffei, building upon the chassis of the Leopard 1 main battle tank. Each tracked vehicle is outfitted with twin 35 mm autocannons, capable of carrying over 300 anti-aircraft rounds alongside 20 anti-tank munitions. These systems also feature onboard radar for engaging short-range airborne threats and include two 76-millimeter smoke grenade launchers.
Weighing in at 47.5 tons (approximately 95,000 pounds) and measuring 8 meters (26 feet) in length, the vehicle accommodates a crew of three: a driver, a gunner, and a commander. Its robust MTU engine delivers over 800 horsepower, allowing for a maximum speed of 65 kilometers (40 miles) per hour and an operational range of 550 kilometers (342 miles).
Despite its vintage, the Gepard has demonstrated effectiveness in the current conflict in Ukraine, successfully countering unmanned aerial systems and cruise missiles.
