Belgium to Supply Gepard Anti-Air Systems to Ukraine as Military Support Grows

Belgium has announced plans to repurchase and deliver 15 Gepard anti-aircraft armored vehicles to Ukraine, marking a significant contribution to Kyiv’s air defense capabilities amid ongoing conflict with Russia.

The decision, reported by Belgian media outlet DHnet, involves Belgium acquiring the Gepard systems from storage and transferring them to Ukrainian forces. The vehicles, originally developed in the 1970s by Germany as the Flakpanzer Gepard, are self-propelled anti-aircraft guns mounted on a Leopard tank chassis, equipped with twin 35 mm Oerlikon cannons and radar systems designed to engage low-flying aircraft.

Despite their age, the Gepard systems have proven effective in Ukraine’s current warfare environment, particularly in countering the threat posed by inexpensive Iranian-made Shahed drones and other loitering munitions. Their guns, originally intended for intercepting Soviet-era jets, have demonstrated unexpected utility in shooting down slow-flying, low-cost drones that threaten energy infrastructure and civilian areas.

Belgium’s OIP Land Systems, a defense company known for handling decommissioned military equipment, reportedly has up to 40 operational Gepard systems in storage. While some Belgian defense sources have questioned the feasibility of restoring these older systems due to their age, alternative assessments suggest restoration is possible, contingent on funding. The cost per restored unit is estimated at approximately €2 million, aligning with recent international procurement trends for similar systems.

This Belgian initiative follows earlier commitments from Germany, which has supplied multiple Gepard systems to Ukraine along with tens of thousands of 35 mm rounds of ammunition. By March 2025, German deliveries had strengthened the system’s reputation on the front lines, with Ukrainian officials publicly describing the Gepard as “one of the most reliable German weapons in service.”

The move underscores the enduring relevance of certain Cold War-era military systems in modern asymmetric warfare, particularly where electronic warfare and missile shortages limit the effectiveness of newer air defense technologies. The Gepard’s reliance on radar-guided gunfire, rather than missiles, allows it to operate effectively even when electronic jamming or supply chain issues affect more advanced systems.

As Ukraine continues to face sustained aerial attacks, including drone and missile strikes on energy infrastructure and urban centers, the addition of 15 Belgian Gepard systems aims to bolster its layered air defense strategy. The systems are expected to be delivered following refurbishment, though specific timelines for handover have not been disclosed in the reported sources.