Gepard

Quick Facts

Variants	Gepard 1A2 Gepard CA1
Role and Mobility	Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun; Land-Mobile
Interceptors and Range	Twin Oerlikon GDF 35 mm Guns: -550 rounds per minute fire rate (per gun) -12 km range -360-degree range
Sensors	Search Radar: -S-Band Germany (15 km range) -X-Band Netherlands Tracking Radar: -Ku-Band Germany (15 km range) -X-Band Netherlands
Targets	Helicopters and Low-Flying Aircraft
Status/Exports	Operational/Retired; Germany (retired), Chile, Romania, Netherlands (retired), Belgium (retired)
Designer/Producer	Krauss-Maffei Wegmann

Overview

The Gepard Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun (SPAAG) consists of twin Oerlikon GDF 35 mm guns mounted on a Leopard 1 tank chassis.[i]The turret can swivel 360 degrees, providing a full range of coverage for the system. The Gepard’s search and tracking radars are also mounted on the chassis, behind the turret and in front of it, respectively.[ii]

The system is operational in Romania and Chile, both having purchased systems from Germany. The system’s three original users, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands have all retired their units.[iii]

An improved variant of the original Gepard, the Gepard 1A2, was developed to operate a new fire control system, which increased the system’s range and reduced its reaction time. The variant also uses different ammunition than the original.[iv]

The Dutch variant of the German Gepard is the Gepard CA1 which operates different radar than the original.[v]

Strategic Implications

With twin Oerlikon 35 mm guns on a Leopard 1 chassis, the Gepard is a highly effective air defense system that features greater mobility than others of its type. As it is self-propelled and carries its own radars, the Gepard is capable of operating as both a solo air defense unit and as part of a larger coordinated effort. Despite its age, the Gepard 1A2 upgraded variant is still capable of operating successfully in a modern threat environment.