The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has announced a new order for 180,000 units of HEI-T (high-explosive incendiary tracer) 35mm ammunition for the Gepard anti-aircraft tanks.
The contract was signed with the German company Rheinmetall in December 2024, with an estimated value of tens of millions of euros, fully funded by the German government.
This is the second major order placed by Ukraine. In February 2023, Rheinmetall had already received an order for 300,000 units of ammunition for the same tank model.
Combat Capability and Accelerated Production
The HEI-T ammunition is designed to effectively target aerial threats, such as drones, and will be produced at Rheinmetall’s factory in Unterlüß, Germany. To meet the high demand for 35mm ammunition, the production line was completely rebuilt in the spring of 2023 in record time with significant investment.
The Gepard tanks have proven effective in Ukraine’s air defense since being transferred by Germany. A total of 55 units decommissioned by the German Army (Bundeswehr) have been delivered to Ukraine over the past two years, playing a critical role in defending against aerial threats.
Rheinmetall and Advanced Air Defense Systems
In addition to ammunition, Rheinmetall has also provided Ukraine with advanced air defense systems, such as the Skynex system, which uses programmable AHEAD ammunition capable of exploding mid-air to maximize the impact area. The company is globally recognized as a leader in the production of complex cannon-based air defense systems and is the only supplier offering a complete range of fire control systems, protected and integrated missile launchers, as well as aerial surveillance and detection radar technology.
Continued Support and International Cooperation
Germany’s support for Ukraine reflects international efforts to strengthen the country’s defensive capabilities amid the ongoing conflict. The new shipment of ammunition, combined with the technological advancements of Rheinmetall systems, enhances Ukraine’s effectiveness in defending against modern aerial threats.
Source: Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, Rheinmetall. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
