Belgium has pledged to deliver 15 overhauled Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft systems to Ukraine in support of the war-torn country’s defense against Russia.
The military aid will be facilitated as part of a 1-billion-euro ($1.1 billion) package approved by the NATO country in early April, according to local Belgian media.
The weapons will be acquired from OIP Land Systems, a subsidiary of Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems, and refitted in Belgium before transfer.
Brussels did not reveal associated values or shipment schedules tied to the project.
Sources said the platforms were part of Belgium’s original fleet of 54 Gepard units, operated by the Belgian Army before being retired in the 2000s.
The vehicles were later sold to Sabiex, which was subsequently acquired by OIP.
The donation builds on a September 2025 strategy by then-Ukrainian Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal, who discussed continued cooperation on Gepard systems with KNDS Deutschland Managing Director Ralf Ketzel.
Talks covered supply, sustainment, and potential joint production, including plans for a joint venture with a local Ukrainian industry partner.
KNDS, formerly known as Krauss-Maffei, developed the Gepard air defense system in the 1960s, basing the platform on the Leopard 1 main battle tank chassis.
The tracked vehicle is armed with twin 35 mm autocannons carrying more than 300 anti-air rounds and 20 anti-tank rounds, supported by onboard radar to engage short-range airborne threats, as well as two 76-millimeter smoke grenades.
It has an overall weight of 47.5 tons (95,000 pounds), a length of 8 meters (26 feet), and a capacity for a driver, a gunner, and a commander.
The capability is equipped with an MTU engine with an output of over 800 horsepower for a top speed of 65 kilometers (40 miles) per hour and a range of 550 kilometers (342 miles).
Despite its age, the Gepard has proven effective in Ukraine against unmanned aerial systems and cruise missiles.