How many rounds does it take for Gepard to down Shahed drone?

Defense Express writes that Ukrainian air defense units currently operate dozens of Gepards, which have repeatedly demonstrated their effectiveness on the battlefield. 

According to Andriy, commander of a Gepard crew from the 1021st Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment, the system excels at intercepting a wide range of aerial threats — from attack drones and cruise missiles to reconnaissance UAVs.  

"This is a very powerful, mobile, and highly effective weapon," Andriy told Army TV. "It’s a machine that can detect, lock onto, and destroy enemy aerial targets — from drones to cruise missiles."  

When asked how long it typically takes to engage and destroy a target, Andriy explained that the time depends on several factors: the target’s speed, altitude, course, and flight trajectory. In some cases, the Gepard can shoot down a drone with just two or three rounds. During their first successful engagement, his crew destroyed a drone at a distance of three kilometers, using only 11 rounds.

The experience of the crew plays a critical role in the effectiveness of the Gepard. One vehicle featured in the Army TV report had markings for eight downed Russian drones, achieved in just a month and a half of operations.  

When asked to name the top three weapons for combating Russian drones, Andriy gave a clear and confident answer:  

"My top three are: Gepard, Gepard, Gepard. Nothing else compares."  

This view is echoed by Serhii, a gunner-operator, who highlighted the Gepard’s impressive track record:  

"Our crew has already downed four missiles and 28 Shaheds," he said, emphasizing the system’s reliability and precision when working against both drones and missiles.  

So, the Gepard howitzer has firmly established itself as one of the most effective and trusted weapons in Ukraine’s arsenal, combining firepower, mobility, and advanced targeting capabilities to counter the persistent threat of Russian drones and missiles.

• Despite Russia’s upgrades to Shahed drones, Ukraine’s defenses remain nearly 100% effective through interceptions and electronic warfare.