Gepard 35 mm Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun (Germany)
Channel: Main Battle Tank
Date: 13/01/2023

The Gepard (cheetah) Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun (SPAAG) was developed in the 1960s as a private venture. First prototypes were built in 1968. It entered service with the Bundeswehr in 1973 as the Flakpanzer-1 Gepard. A total of 420 of these vehicles were built for the German Army. Its role is to protect combat units, troops and key installations against air attacks. This anti-aircraft weapon is currently in service with Germany, Brazil, Chile, Jordan, Romania and the Netherlands. In 2022 Germany delivered 30 of these anti-aircraft systems to Ukraine in order to defend against the Russian invasion.

Vehicle is fitted with twin Oerlikon GDF 35 mm guns. These guns are belt-fed. Maximum rate of fire for a single gun is 550 rounds per minute. Ammunition load of the Gepard consists of 640 armor-piercing-incendiary rounds for firing against air targets and 40 armor-piercing rounds against ground targets.

General search radar is located at the rear of the turret roof and tracking radar is located between the guns. Vehicle is fitted with friend-or-foe identification system. Radar of the Gepard has a range of 15 km. It provides all-round scanning with simultaneous target tracking. Vehicle has search on the move capability. This SPAAG is also fitted with fire control system.

Operational use during the Russian invasion to Ukraine revealed that Gepard is very effective against drones.

Hull of the Gepard provides protection against small caliber cannons, while turret protection is only against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. It is also fitted with NBC protection system.

The Gepard has a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver.

Vehicle is based on the chassis of the Leopard 1 main battle tank. It is powered by the MTU MB Ca M500 diesel engine, developing 830 horsepower. The Gepard is fitted with auxiliary power unit, which powers all systems when the main engine is turned off. Engine and transmission of the Gepard can be replaced in 20 minutes in field conditions.

Gepard 1A2, upgraded variant with new fire control system. It has increased range and reduced reaction time. The Gepard 1A2 also uses new ammunition.

Gepard CA1, Dutch variant fitted with different radar.