Germany sending Cheetah vehicles to Ukraine

Germany’s Gepard Cheetah 35mm self-propelled anti-aircraft tracked armored vehicle

Germany's Gepard Cheetah 35mm self-propelled anti-aircraft tracked armored vehicle

Germany has agreed to transfer 50 Cheetah vehicles, to Ukraine, U.S. Secretary of defence, General Lloyd Austin said.

The Cheetah vehicles, known as Gepards, are armoured self-propelling anti-aircraft systems.

Austin welcomed Germany’s “major decision” to support Ukraine with the vehicles and said marked a “significant” step that brings important additional capabilities to Ukraine.

He spoke Tuesday at the international conference on supplying weapons to Ukraine held at the U.S. air base in Ramstein, Germany.

“We are all determined to help Ukraine win today and build strength tomorrow,” he said, describing the meeting as “an important session on long-term support for Ukraine’s defences, including what that will take from our defence industrial bases.”

The U.S. department of Defence made clear that the conference was not under NATO auspices. Non-members were among those attending.

Many representatives participated via video.

Speaking at the airbase, German Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht said Ukrainian soldiers were to be trained to use artillery systems on German soil.

President Vladimir Putin’s actions in Ukraine meant that Russia had “taken its leave of the circle of civilised nations,” she said.

Load more