The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has acquired 60 Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns from Jordan to be transferred to Ukraine, according to a report by Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf on November 13. Unnamed sources revealed that these weapons were originally from the Netherlands, which sold them to Jordan in 2013 for 21 million euros. However, the DoD purchased them from Jordan for 110 million euros, a decade later.
While the Dutch Defense Ministry did not comment on the potential use of these weapons in Ukraine, a spokesperson stated that the price paid by the DoD was fair at the time. The spokesperson also mentioned that the “geopolitical situation” has changed, which impacts the value of the Gepards.
The Gepard, a German-designed weapon introduced in the 1970s, was primarily developed to target planes and helicopters. However, it has proven to be effective against drones as well, particularly the Shahed-type drones frequently used by Russia in attacks on Ukraine. Han Bouwmeester, a Dutch former brigadier general and current military professor, highlighted the Gepard’s capability to fire 550 rounds per minute, making it a more cost-effective counter-drone solution compared to expensive missile systems like the IRIS-T or Patriot.
Germany has previously supplied Ukraine with almost 50 Gepards, and they sent an additional three on October 20. As weapons stockpiles diminish, the U.S. has pursued innovative methods to continue providing military aid to Ukraine. On October 4, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that ammunition seized from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had been transferred to Ukraine.
In other news related to the conflict in Ukraine, Russia has escalated attacks near Bakhmut. The situation remains tense, and independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine, such as that provided by the Kyiv Independent, is crucial. Consider supporting their efforts to stay informed about the latest developments.
