The Ukrainian Defense Forces are equipped with dozens of Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft systems, which have proven to be highly effective in the hands of our military against threats such as long-range strike drones, as well as against missiles from the Russian occupying forces.
"I was amazed. This is a very powerful, mobile, and effective weapon. It's a machine that allows us to shoot down enemy air attack means - unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise missiles, reconnaissance drones. It can detect and destroy all these targets," says Andriy, the commander of a Gepard crew from the 1021st anti-aircraft artillery regiment, in a report by "Army TV."
When asked how much time it generally takes to engage a target, the soldier responds: "It all depends on the parameters of the target: its speed, altitude, course, and flight trajectory. In principle, there have been cases where a Gepard shot down a UAV with two to three shots. In our first engagement, we shot down a UAV at a distance of 3 km, expending 11 rounds."
On one of the vehicles featured in the video, there are markings indicating the downing of eight Russian drones - noted as a result of operations over one and a half months.
As Andriy emphasizes, the human factor - namely the experience and training of the crew - is of great importance. When discussing the top three means against Russian drones, he states, "My top three is one - it's 'Gepard,' 'Gepard,' 'Gepard.' That's it."
"It works precisely against 'Shaheds' and against missiles. We have downed four missiles and 28 'Shaheds,'" says operator Serhiy about his personal experience with this machine.
Previously, Defense Express reported that the Ukrainian Gepard with an upgraded radar will be the starting point for joint projects with KNDS Deutschland.