The German Ministry of Defense announced the transfer to Kyiv of a “five-digit number” of shells for Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns. Production was launched in record time in Germany.
Germany has supplied Ukraine with ammunition for anti-aircraft self-propelled guns (ZSU) Gepard, produced by the German defense concern Rheinmetall.
“The war in Ukraine demonstrates to us almost every day that the defense of our own country depends on air defense and sufficient ammunition,” said Boris Pistorius, head of the ministry. He stressed that with the resumption of the production of ammunition for Gepard, Berlin has focused its efforts “on these two decisive aspects.”
Production launched in record time
According to Pistorius, production was launched in record time and without unnecessary bureaucratic procedures. He promised to continue military support for Ukraine, which is defending itself against Russian aggression , in areas that are Germany’s strengths: artillery, ammunition supplies and ground-based air defense. An agreement to provide Kyiv with 300 thousand ammunition for the Gepard self-propelled gun was reached in February. The total cost of the entire order is 168 million euros.
Previously , Rheinmetall produced shells for Gepard in Switzerland , but after this country, adhering to the principle of neutrality, refused to supply weapons to Ukraine , the company had to restore production in Germany. Berlin has already donated 46 Gepard anti-aircraft guns to Ukraine . Six more are planned to be delivered soon. Since ammunition consumption is very high due to intense fighting , Ukraine requires additional supplies.
Source : DW
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