In cooperation with the United States, Germany plans to transfer 45 more Gepard self-propelled air defence systems to Ukraine by the end of the year to strengthen its air defence.
The Brigadier General Christian Freuding, head of the Situation Centre for Ukraine at the Ministry of Defence, stated this in an interview with Welt am Sonntag.
According to the newspaper, Germany has already handed over 34 Gepard systems to Ukraine, and another 15 will be delivered in the coming weeks.
“In addition, we want to deliver up to 30 more Gepard systems by the end of the year in cooperation with the United States,” Freuding said.
In an interview with Welt am Sonntag, a Bundeswehr brigadier general said he believes air defence is a critical weakness in the Ukrainian army’s counter-offensive.
“We are doing everything we can. But despite all this, does Ukraine have sufficient missile defence? Definitely not!” said Freuding.
He also reminded that Germany would provide Ukraine with two more IRIS-T SLM air defence systems, which have “almost 100 per cent accuracy” by the end of 2023, and four more next year.
Gepard air-defence cannon has been highly efficient in taking down Russian drones. Built on the chassis of a Leopard 1 tank, Gepard is capable of speeds up to 40 mph, with a range of 340 miles.
Gepard carries 320 rounds for each cannon; both can fire 550 rounds a minute. The German government provided Ukraine with 34 Gepards with plans to deliver up to 50.
Earlier, it was reported that the American company Global Military Products received a contract from the Pentagon for more than $118 million to purchase and supply Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft systems for Ukraine.
The United States has announced another $300 million military aid package for Ukraine.
The new US military aid package includes additional air defence equipment, artillery, anti-tank weapons and ammunition, including small arms.
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