This Decades-Old West German Anti-Aircraft Gun Has Outlasted All Its Rivals

In May 1955, almost ten years after the conclusion of the Second World War , West Germany became a member NATO . In response, the Soviet Union established the Warsaw Pact , incorporating East Germany along with other Eastern Bloc nations. As global powers aligned themselves, there was a surge in the development of both offensive and defensive military armaments. Among the new weapons emerging from this heightened activity was the Flugabwehrkanonenpanzer Gepard anti-aircraft gun, commonly referred to as the Flakpanzer Gepard .

Development of the Flakpanzer Gepard

One of West Germany's key concerns was the USSR's continued improvement and development of aviation threats, among them the Mil Mi-24 Hind helicopter, which was designed to not only ferry soldiers, but also act as a gunship.

The development on the Flakpanzer Gepard (German for "Cheetah") began in 1963. Six years later, four prototypes, equipped with 30 and 35 mm guns, were developed, with the intention of choosing one for mass production. In 1970, the decision was made to move forward with the 35 mm design, and by March 1970, the West German government had placed an order for the anti-aircraft gun. It remained in service until 2010, when it was replaced by the Wiesel 2.

Layout of the Flakpanzer Gepard

The Flakpanzer Gepard 's chassis is derived from the Leopard I tank, incorporating a turret that can rotate a full 360 degrees. Its anti-aircraft gun is mounted on a modified Leopard I chassis, complete with a V-engine and tracks. To operate the vehicle effectively, a crew of three is required: two to handle the turret and one to drive.

The Flakpanzer Gepard is famous for its excellent mobility, allowing it to navigate challenging terrain with ease. It is equipped with various protective features, including steel armor on both the hull and turret. Smoke grenades can be deployed to create a temporary concealment around the anti-aircraft gun. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with a nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) system for air filtration and a fire suppression system.

Twin guns allow for increased firepower

In the years prior to the Flakpanzer Gepard 's development, jet technology had rapidly advanced. This meant the missiles and machine guns tasked with shooting down aircraft had to follow suit.

West Germany ensured this by installing the Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon, better known as the Oerlikon GDF, on the anti-aircraft gun. The two .90-caliber guns have an effective range of around 3.4 miles and can fire 550 rounds each per minute, making for a combined total of 1,100 rounds per minute.

The Flakpanzer Gepard features two radars - a general search radar toward the rear and a tracking radar - as well as a laser rangefinder mounted between the guns. All this combined allows operators to track enemy aircraft and fire accurately.

Adopted by a number of other nations

The most prominent nations outside of West Germany to equip the Flakpanzer Gepard were the Netherlands, which ordered 95 units with a slightly different radar system, and Belgium. The Netherlands Armed Forces discontinued their use of the anti-aircraft gun in 2006, while Belgian forces, too, retired the 55 they'd acquired.

Chile originally ordered four Flakpanzer Gepards , which were delivered in 2008. However, its government canceled a second order for 30 more when it realized how expensive it was to upgrade and maintain them.

Only three nations currently operate the Flakpanzer Gepard . Romania purchased 43 from the existing German stock, while Brazil received 36. Jordan has 60, which its government purchased for $21 million from the Netherlands.

Future of the Flakpanzer Gepard

While the German and Dutch armies have stopped using the Flakpanzer Gepard , regular upgrades are still being made to the anti-aircraft gun. Qatar, the host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, ordered 15, along with spare parts, and planned to use them to protect against potential drone attacks during the event.

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Shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, German company Krauss-Maffei Wegman (KMW) offered to send 50 of the anti-aircraft guns to the Ukrainian military. The German government approved this transfer two months later, with the first arriving in Ukraine in July 2022. There have been issues regarding the system recognizing Norwegian-produced ammunition, but the problem is being worked on.