With new tanks
Bundeswehr is rebuilding a dismantled branch of troops
April 18, 2024, 11:33 a.m
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More than ten years ago, the army anti-aircraft force was disbanded and the Gepard tanks used there were sold and scrapped. But the attack on Ukraine makes it clear that the Bundeswehr lacks an effective way to combat drones.
The German Army is rebuilding its air defense force, which was disbanded more than ten years ago. The army inspector, Lieutenant General Alfons Mais, made the decision last week, reports the cpm Defense Network portal, citing its own information.
The military branch, which was formed in 1956, was disbanded in 2012 after the Gepard anti-aircraft gun tanks had already been handed over in 2010 and later sold or scrapped. Ultimately, the army’s anti-aircraft defense system was left with only the light Ocelot system as its main weapon system, and ultimately the task of ground-based anti-aircraft defense was transferred entirely to the air force.
As part of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, in which combat drones of various types play a key role, it became clear at the latest that there is a capability gap in the army. Decommissioned Gepard tanks are successfully used in defense in Ukraine.
The new army air defense system should take on this task and adopt systems from the close and immediate area protection project. This includes all weapon systems below IRIS-T-SLM, which is successfully used in Ukraine. According to the report, the reestablished force would then be responsible for the new Skyranger and anti-aircraft missile defense tanks, both of which are based on the Boxer wheeled tank.
The Bundestag approved the procurement of new anti-aircraft gun tanks in February. A total of 19 Skyrangers and additional services are to be purchased for 649 million euros, according to this Federal Ministry of Defense. The vehicles are scheduled to be delivered by 2026. The system is intended to defend ground troops against attacks from the air even when they are on the move or to be used to protect critical infrastructure.