Rheinmetall Secures New Ammunition Order for Ukraine’s Gepard System, Expanding Air Defense Capabilities

Rheinmetall Secures New Ammunition Order for Ukraine’s Gepard System, Expanding Air Defense Capabilities

(IN BRIEF) Rheinmetall has been contracted by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense to deliver an additional 180,000 rounds of 35mm ammunition for the Gepard anti-aircraft system, with production set to begin in 2026. The high-value order, funded by Germany, will assist in targeting airborne threats like drones. Rheinmetall has also enhanced production capabilities at its Unterlüß facility to meet increased demand. This new order follows an earlier commitment in 2023 to supply Ukraine with 300,000 rounds. Alongside ammunition, Rheinmetall has provided Ukraine with state-of-the-art air defense systems, including the Skynex system with AHEAD munitions.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF, 6-Jan-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Rheinmetall has received a new order from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense to supply an additional 180,000 rounds of 35mm ammunition for the Gepard anti-aircraft system. This order, valued in the high double-digit million euro range, was finalized in December 2024 and will be funded by Germany. The ammunition, consisting of High Explosive Incendiary with Tracer (HEI-T) rounds, is slated for delivery starting in 2026.

This new batch will enhance Ukraine’s ability to target various airborne threats, including drones, with greater effectiveness. The ammunition will be manufactured at Rheinmetall’s Unterlüß facility, where production capabilities were expanded following a significant upgrade in the spring of 2023 to meet the rising demand for 35mm rounds.

To date, Germany has provided Ukraine with a total of 55 Gepard anti-aircraft tanks, which were previously decommissioned by the Bundeswehr. These systems have been instrumental in Ukraine’s air defense efforts for over two years.

In addition to the Gepard ammunition, Rheinmetall has supplied Ukraine with advanced air defense technologies, including the Skynex system, which utilizes AHEAD programmable airburst munitions. Globally, Rheinmetall is recognized as a leading supplier of air defense systems, particularly cannon-based technologies. The company is the sole global provider of integrated fire control systems, as well as guided missile launchers, radar, and air surveillance technologies.

Media Contact:

Oliver Hoffmann
Head of Press and Public Relations
Phone: +49 211 473-4748
Fax: +49 211 473-4157

SOURCE: Rheinmetall