Rheinmetall gets Ukrainian order for Gepard 35mm ammunition rounds
Germany is funding the order
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence has placed a significant ammunition order, commissioning Rheinmetall to deliver additional 35mm rounds for the Gepard anti-aircraft gun.
The new order, announced in December 2024, includes 180,000 rounds of High Explosive Incendiary with Tracer (HEI-T) ammunition. The order is valued in the high double-digit million euro range. Germany is funding the order, demonstrating the country’s ongoing support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The latest order follows a contract awarded to Rheinmetall in February 2023, which tasked the German arms manufacturer with supplying 300,000 rounds of 35mm ammunition for Ukraine’s Gepard systems. The ammunition is intended for use in the Gepard anti-aircraft guns, which have proven highly effective in countering various airborne threats, including drones and low-flying aircraft.
The rounds will be produced at Rheinmetall’s Unterlüß production facility in Germany. In the spring of 2023, the company undertook a substantial and expedited overhaul of its production line to meet the surge in demand for 35mm ammunition. The reconstruction of the production line reflects the increasing need for air defence systems and ammunition as the war in Ukraine continues to evolve.
Gepard anti-aircraft guns
Since Germany first provided Ukraine with the Gepard anti-aircraft guns, the country has delivered 55 units of these decommissioned weapons from the Bundeswehr (German armed forces). These systems have been deployed in Ukraine for over two years, and the Gepard has proven to be a crucial asset in Ukraine’s air defence capabilities.
The Gepard’s effectiveness in shooting down aerial targets has contributed significantly to boosting Ukraine’s defences, especially in the face of sustained missile and drone attacks from Russian forces.
In addition to the Gepard systems, Rheinmetall has been a key supplier of various advanced air defence technologies to Ukraine. One notable system is the Skynex, which uses programmable AHEAD (Advanced Hit Efficiency and Destruction) airburst ammunition to take out enemy drones and other aerial threats. As one of the leading manufacturers of complex air defence systems, Rheinmetall continues to play a pivotal role in Ukraine’s efforts to defend its airspace from Russian assaults.
Rheinmetall’s expertise extends beyond air defence cannons and ammunition. The company is the world’s leading supplier of cannon-based air defence systems and the only manufacturer of a complete range of fire control systems.
These systems include integrated guided missile launchers, radar systems for air surveillance, and detection technology. The company’s portfolio is a comprehensive solution to modern air threats, further solidifying its position as a global leader in the defence industry.
2014 start
The war in Ukraine, which began in 2014 following Russia’s annexation of Crimea, escalated dramatically in February 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion. The initial assault on Ukraine was expected to be swift, but Ukrainian forces mounted a far fiercer resistance than anticipated, forcing Russia into a prolonged conflict. Western nations, led by the United States and European Union, have rallied behind Ukraine, providing military aid and economic support and imposing sanctions on Russia.
The geopolitical consequences of the invasion have been profound, with millions of people displaced and casualties mounting on both sides. As of early 2025, the fighting continues unabated, with little hope of a resolution shortly. The war has already reshaped the security landscape in Europe and continues to have a far-reaching impact on global politics and economics.
Germany’s continued support for Ukraine, including funding ammunition supplies for the Gepard anti-aircraft guns, highlights its commitment to helping Ukraine defend its sovereignty and repel Russian aggression.
As the conflict drags on, the need for effective air defence systems, like those provided by Rheinmetall, remains critical. With no resolution in sight, the provision of advanced weaponry and ammunition to Ukraine will likely remain a key component of Western efforts to support the embattled nation in the face of Russia’s ongoing military offensive.
Widespread destruction
The long-term conflict, coupled with Russia’s numerical superiority, has brought widespread destruction, with millions fleeing the violence and substantial economic and humanitarian fallout. With no end in sight, the war destabilised the region, reshaping European security dynamics and further increasing the international demand for advanced defence systems.
The war between Russia and Ukraine ignited in 2014 and escalated dramatically in February 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Tensions have been simmering since 2014 following Russia’s annexation of Crimea and its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, leading to ongoing conflict. However, the 2022 invasion marked a significant turning point in the war.
On 24 February 2022, Russian forces launched their assault, targeting Ukrainian cities, including the capital, Kyiv. The move was initially expected to lead to a swift victory for Russia, but the Ukrainian resistance was much fiercer than anticipated. Western nations, led by the United States and the European Union, rallied in support of Ukraine, providing military aid and imposing economic sanctions on Russia.
Despite Russia’s numerical superiority, the conflict has seen heavy casualties and widespread destruction. The war has also caused significant global economic and humanitarian consequences, with millions of people fleeing the violence. As of early 2025, the fighting continues, with no resolution in sight, leaving the region in a state of uncertainty and tension that threatens to reshape European security for years.
Hero image: The 35mm ammunition rounds for Ukraine’s Gepard systems will be produced at Rheinmetall’s Unterlüß production facility in Germany. Credit: Rheinmetall
