The Flakpanzer IV Ostwind was a self-propelled gun and anti-aircraft gun that was developed by Nazi Germany in 1944 to replace the Wirbelwind gun. Its FlaK 43's increased range made it better than the Wirbelwind, and its fast-firing gun was also effective against light vehicles and minor fortifications, leading to it being occasionally used on the front lines. In August 1944, an order for 100 vehicles was placed, but only 44 vehicles were ever completed from December 1944 to March 1945 (at Sagan, Silesia), with 37 Ostwinds being converted Panzer IVs and 7 new production vehicles.