The Ukrainian Defense Ministry has instructed the German defense concern Rheinmetall to supply additional 35-mm ammunition for the Gepard anti-aircraft mounts.

As reported on the concern's website on Monday, the new order includes 180,000 HEI-T (high-explosive incendiary with tracer) ammunition and was booked in December 2024. They will be produced at the Rheinmetall plant in Unterlüß.

"The order value is in the high double-digit million euro range and is being funded by Germany. Already in February of 2023, Rheinmetall received an order to supply 300,000 rounds of Gepard ammunition to Ukraine," the report says.

According to the concern, the ammunition can be used to combat various air targets, including unmanned aerial vehicles.

"Due to the increased demand for 35mm ammunition, the production line at the site was rebuilt at great expense in a very short time in the spring of 2023," Rheinmetall said.

The concert noted that Germany has already transferred 55 Gepard anti-aircraft guns to Ukraine, which were removed from service with the Bundeswehr, and they have proven their effectiveness in air defense for more than two years.

As reported, in December, Rheinmetall signed a contract with the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine for the supply of several tens of thousands of propellant charge modules for 155-mm artillery guns in January 2025. The value of the order, placed in the 4th quarter of 2024, is about EUR 9 million.