The GEPARD anti-aircraft gun was in service with the German Armed Forces from 1976 to 2010. At the same time as its end of service, the Army Air Defense Force was disbanded. However, the GEPARD has now proven its excellent ability to destroy drones. It was originally designed to protect combat troops from low-flying fighter jets, helicopters, and, if necessary, ground targets. It is equipped with two 35-millimeter automatic cannons capable of engaging air targets up to 5,500 meters and ground targets up to 2,000 meters. The GEPARD is based on the Leopard 1.
The video first shows a GEPARD training vehicle starting its engine and driving into the terrain. The two automatic cannons of another GEPARD are then loaded. This vehicle and another GEPARD then drive into the terrain and take up their firing positions. At the same time, drones are prepared and launched as targets. The drones are equipped with hit sensors. The drone is to be hit with short bursts of fire of three to eight shots. Continuous fire has proven to be less effective with the GEPARD because the smoke obscures visibility and makes the GEPARD too easily visible to enemy forces. Nevertheless, the hit rate is good while simultaneously saving ammunition. Since this is an exercise with predefined training objectives, the GEPARD crew rotates periodically. At the end of the firing, a hit is visible. Then the crew returns to base.
The footage was taken during a training session for Ukrainian soldiers organized by the KNDS company. The Multinational Special Training Command (MN ST-C EUMAM UA) forms the umbrella organization for these training programs. In this specific case, the objective was to complete the practical part after a short theoretical training, including a GEPARD simulator. Groups of three soldiers were formed, who were to alternate between the three positions – driver, commander, and gunner – during the exercise. Based on the skills demonstrated, the trainers were able to clearly determine who was best suited for each position. The focus here was primarily on operating the GEPARD, not on tactics. The exercise confirmed once again that the Ukrainians are highly motivated and learn very quickly.
Credit to : BTB-concept