Rheinmetall contracted for major anti-aircraft supply deal to Ukraine

The first deliveries of armour piercing ammunition are expected in summer 2023 (June to August), with a shift in production supplying the second type in mid-2024.

A Rheinmetall spokesperson said the Unterlüß plant is currently creating additional medium-calibre ammunition production capacity due to go into operation in summer of 2023.

“In building this new production line, Rheinmetall is responding to sharply increased global demand,” the spokesperson said.

The Gepard, all-weather-capable German self-propelled anti-aircraft gun was originally developed in the 1960s, operated in the 1970s, and phased out of the German armed services in 2010. It’s main armament is a pair of 35 mm anti-aircraft autocannons.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.