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The Germans to launch the production of shells for Gepard in Spain

The Germans to launch the production of shells for Gepard in Spain

Air Defense Ammunition Europe Germany Spain World

Rheinmetall, after acquiring the world-famous Spanish ammunition manufacturer Expal Systems SA, plans to set up production of 35-mm ammunition for Gepard anti-aircraft guns in Spain.

The German newspaper Handelsblatt reported about this.

Ukraine has received such anti-aircraft guns from Germany as military aid. They help neutralize enemy aerial targets, including shooting down the Shahed kamikaze drones used by the Russian invaders.

The cost of acquiring Expal Systems is €1.2 billion.

It is emphasized that ammunition production will become one of the most important areas for Rheinmetall in the coming years. Since the end of the Cold War, many Western countries have depleted their arsenals and are now seeking to replenish them.

The Bundeswehr also has a very limited supply of ammunition. The German federal government plans to replenish the army’s reserves and, according to politicians, spend about €20 billion on the purchase of new ammunition.

With an annual turnover of around €400 million, Expal Systems is one of the largest ammunition manufacturers in Europe. According to Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, the capacity is sufficient for the further increase in sales to €700 million. The plants owned by the acquired company are modern and highly automated.

The Spanish company produces, among other things, ammunition for artillery systems and anti-aircraft guns.

Зенітна самохідна установка «Gepard» український військових. Жовтень 2022. Україна. Фото: Bild

The CEO of Rheinmetall noted that 35 mm ammunition for Gepard anti-aircraft self-propelled guns may also be produced at Expal in the future.

Germany transferred such guns to Ukraine to protect the airspace from Russia’s attacks. However, supplies of ammunition to them are limited, as Switzerland, which is a producer of ammunition to them, does not want to issue permission for their transfer to Ukraine.

According to Papperger, Expal can produce 250,000 to 300,000 artillery shells per year. Rheinmetall itself has a capacity of about 80,000.

Gepard SPAAG is based on the chassis of the Leopard 1 tank. Two 35mm Oerlikon KDA guns and two radars, which determine the target at a distance of up to 15 km, are installed on the tower, which is capable of making a full turn. The gun is able to hit targets at a distance of 100 meters to 4 km. Its crew consists of only three people: a driver, a commander and a gunner. According to the German government, Ukraine has received 30 Gepard guns since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion.

Air Defense Ammunition Europe Germany Spain World