The German federal government has apparently solved a problem with arms deliveries to Ukraine: following weeks of efforts, the Chancellery, together with the military department in Norway, have found a manufacturer who can produce more ammunition for the Gepard anti-aircraft tank, the “Spiegel” reported at the weekend. Up until now, the supply of ammunition for the cheetah was considered a problem, as there were only just under 60,000 rounds of the special 35 mm projectiles available for the system.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Defense declined to comment specifically on the report. He only reiterated that the federal government was “continuously trying to provide sustainable support for Ukraine”.
At the end of April, the federal government gave the green light for the delivery of the Gepard tanks, which are no longer used by the Bundeswehr. They come from stocks of the armaments company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW). In view of a possible rate of fire of 1000 rounds per minute, the initially available 60,000 rounds were criticized by experts as too low.
Now the production of new ammunition might start quickly, reported the “mirror”. The Norwegian manufacturer’s ammunition should be tested next week at the Bundeswehr firing range in Putlos, government circles said.
Germany wants to start delivering a total of 30 Cheetah anti-aircraft tanks from industrial stocks in July, the “Spiegel” reported. They are to be used in Ukraine to protect cities and other so-called critical infrastructure.
The ministry’s original schedule called for delivery of the first 15 Gepard tanks by mid-July. The rest should be delivered by the end of August.
“While some just mumbling and badmouthing the delivery of the cheetah because of ammunition challenges, the federal government has actively solved the problem,” said Green security politician Agnieszka Brugger to “Spiegel”. In this sense, given the very high losses in Ukraine, things must continue. Brugger was certain that deliveries would continue to be made behind the scenes.