At first glance, Belgium’s plan to supply Ukraine with 15 additional Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft systems sounds like good news and raises the question of why this was not done earlier. However, the reality is more complicated, and the issue goes beyond the specific variant of the system.
Photos published on social media show the condition of these air defense systems while in storage at OIP in 2021. They reveal that many components, including key elements of the main armament, had been removed.
Read more: Can Gepard Guns Return? Ukraine Considers Reviving a Cold War ClassicShould have probably talked about this sooner, but these are some pictures of the state the Gepards kept at OIP were in in 2021.The vast majority had been stripped for parts well before the 2022 invasion, so I am amazed that they can even get the parts needed to bring 15 of… https://t.co/yUofOZiIPw pic.twitter.com/2UQ7JElZXw— Jeff2146 (@Jeff21461) May 4, 2026
This suggests that even before russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, and before the Gepard regained relevance as a drone hunter, OIP’s inventory had already been partially dismantled. Some components may have been stored separately, but it is likely that a significant portion had been sold to other operators.
This helps explain why, out of up to 50 systems reportedly in storage, only 15 are now being transferred to Ukraine as part of Belgium’s €1 billion aid package. Most likely, this is the number that can realistically be restored to operational condition, while the rest may be fit only for scrap.
Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft system in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine
It is worth recalling that in 2023, OIP reportedly asked up to €2 million per unit for these Gepards when Ukraine sought to purchase them. At the time, this was widely criticized as excessive pricing. Today, however, this issue appears less significant, either because the terms have improved or because the urgency has increased.
Overall, this situation highlights the broader challenges associated with legacy military equipment that has not been produced for years and has been kept in storage, often serving as a source of spare parts for systems still in service. As a result, reactivation becomes a complex and resource-intensive task.
Gepard anti-aircraft systems / Photo credit: US DoW
The Belgian contractor responsible for restoring these Gepards before delivery will likely face a demanding workload. This is especially true given that the systems are in their original baseline configuration, equipped with older radars and analog fire control systems.
It is possible that, during their use in Ukraine, German or Ukrainian defense industries have restarted production of certain components, as was done with ammunition. However, there is no confirmed evidence or official information to support this, suggesting that refurbishment will likely rely on existing stockpiles of spare parts.
Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft system in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine
It is also worth noting that Ukraine is receiving more modern alternatives, such as the newly produced German Skyranger 35 and Skynex systems, as well as Sweden’s Tridon Mk2. However, these systems are significantly more expensive and require time to manufacture.
Read more: KNDS Was Not Ready For Wartime Repairs, Delayed PzH 2000, Gepard Fixes by a Year