This article is poorly worded. For those curious, the Gepard is self propelled AA, not artillery.
Yes, literally called “Flakpanzer” in German. Or “Flugabwehrkanonenpanzer” in its full form.
I think the Gepard is probably the most cost-effective way of shooting down Shaheds. These fly low and slow, exactly what the Gepard was designed for. I didn’t know Jordan had so many of them, but this is good news and will help protect Ukrainian infrastructure during winter, together with additional Patriot and IRIS-T from Germany. I hope they can also secure enough ammunition.
What I wonder is why would you now sell them if you have a decent chance to be on the receiving end of these drones. And Jordans neighborhood seems like THE spot in the world where you might want to have some more drone defense going forward.
You’re entering the murky world of Geopolitics now. While Gepard maybe useful to Jordan someday any nation state has urgent or highly desired needs today. When the USA is coming knocking on your door asking to buy something you have that you know they want, you can ask for quite a bit that you want. It could be other material such as high tech goods or even intangible things such as favored trade status. Perhaps other things like favorable loan rates at the EXIM (USA’s Export Import bank).
I didn’t know Jordan had so many of them
The Netherlands sold many of theirs to Jordan when they decommisioned them at the same time Germany did. The German ones that were sold back then are sadly sitting in Brazil and Romania, the former one not supporting Ukraine and the latter one still actively operating them for their air defense.
Nice, I hope they can rustle up some ammo too, I hear it’s a bit hard to come by.
Fortunately, Rheinmetall started a production line for 35 mm Gepard ammunition and has delivered a first batch in September. source
Helps price when buying in Buk situations.
