Belgium will supply 15 Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft systems to Ukraine within the scope of the 1 billion euro military aid package approved in April 2026. The systems will be repurchased from OIP Land Systems and will be modernized and refurbished in Belgium prior to delivery. However, an official date for the delivery schedule was not shared. Developed for short-range air defense, the Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft system is equipped with a double-barreled 35 mm automatic cannon and a radar-guided targeting system.
The platform can engage against low-altitude threats, including unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles. Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken approved the procurement plan, which envisages purchasing the systems from domestic private sector stocks instead of being procured from foreign suppliers. Gepard systems were withdrawn from service by the Belgian army in the 1990s and remained in storage for years until they were purchased by private companies.
The renovation is expected to include repair of mechanical and electronic systems. Officials stated that the transfer aims to strengthen Ukraine’s short-range air defense capacity, especially against intense unmanned aerial vehicle attacks.
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