Germany has delivered three additional Gepard anti-aircraft guns to the Armed Forces of Ukraine as part of its latest military aid for the war-torn country.
The delivery included 30,000 shells for air defense tanks, as well as 2,500 155mm artillery shells, two Wisent 1 mine clearance tanks, 10 Vector reconnaissance drones, two border patrol vehicles, and two airborne missile protection systems.
The Gepard tank is an independent air-defense weapon capable of shooting down targets as far as 550 kilometers (340 miles) away. The entire gun system can travel at up to 65 kilometers (40 miles) per hour thanks to its 3,700 cc MTU multi-fuel engine.
Germany’s Ministry of Defence said that future aid will continue focusing on an “operational and well-equipped” Ukrainian Armed Forces, bolstering its air defense, artillery, armored battle vehicles, and ammunition.
Germany-Ukraine Ties
Germany is one of the biggest contributors of wartime aid to Ukraine, having supplied 22 billion euros ($24 million) in humanitarian, financial, and military assistance.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius also revealed that they will be doubling its military aid for Ukraine to 8 billion euros ($8.5 billion).
Aside from the Gepard guns, the country also supplied Marder infantry fighting vehicles last year.