One of the combat crews operating German-made Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft gun under the Ukrainian Ground Forces has opened up about their work, demonstrating how they effectively destroy russian Shahed kamikaze drones. The footage was shared by the Air Force Command, highlighting a crucial yet often unseen part of the country's layered air defense.
The Gepard system, originally developed for NATO defense, is armed with dual 35 mm cannons and features advanced radar systems for target detection, tracking, and engagement. In Ukraine, these capabilities have found new battlefield relevance, combating swarms of Iranian-designed Shahed drones launched by russia to attack Ukrainian infrastructure and cities.
Read more: How Much Do Modern Electronic Warfare Aircraft Cost and Why They're Built on Retired Business Jets
According to the crew commander, who goes by the callsign Rys, their Gepard system has so far been deployed exclusively against the Shahed drones in Odesa region.
"The night we arrived in Odesa region, there was an immediate drone raid. We were ready and we performed well," he said, reflecting on their first combat engagement in the area.
The Gepard gun's effectiveness lies in its threefold design: powerful guns, precise radar, and an onboard computer system that processes target data in real-time. This integration allows the vehicle to react within seconds, locking onto fast-moving drones and firing with lethal precision, often before the threat can reach urban targets.
Rys' team has destroyed nearly 30 Shahed drones, according to the Command, a testament to both the machine and its operators.
"Steel, electronics, experience, and cold determination – everything works together to stop the enemy midair," the Air Force Command noted, emphasizing that the crew delivers swift, ruthless strikes.
The footage released shows the crew at work, from scanning skies for incoming threats to manually loading ammunition and operating under pressure during night raids. Their composure, honed through repeated engagements, turns every operation into a textbook example of low-altitude air defense in modern warfare.
While drones remain a persistent challenge for Ukraine, systems like the Gepard, particularly in the hands of experienced crews, provide a cost-effective, mobile solution. Their success highlights the importance of combining Western technology with Ukrainian grit and adaptation.
As Defense Express previously reported, the Ukrainian Air Force pilots of the West Air Command continue to perform critical combat missions in defense of national airspace. Among them is a standout aviator with the callsign Denfix, the MiG-29 fighter pilot known for his exceptional combat record and precise intercepts of enemy targets.
Read more: Ukrainian Pilot Denfix Downs 20+ Targets with Modernized MiG-29 Aircraft
