Breaking News: German Army to Acquire 19 New Skyranger 30 Mobile Air Defense Systems by 2028.

According to a statement from the German Army published on September 25, 2024, the German army will receive 19 new Skyranger 30 mobile air defense systems by 2028, with the first vehicle expected to be delivered by the end of this year. The innovative anti-aircraft platform was recently showcased by arms manufacturer Rheinmetall during a live demonstration in Zurich, marking the first public appearance of this advanced air defense system.
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Skyranger 30 air defense system mounted on the Boxer 8x8 armored vehicle. (Picture source: Germany Army)

The Skyranger 30 is a cutting-edge air defense system integrated into a turret that can be mounted on various vehicle types, including the highly mobile Boxer wheeled armored vehicle used by the German Army. This modular system is designed to detect, track, and neutralize aerial threats such as drones, helicopters, and aircraft, primarily focusing on defending against smaller unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The development of this system comes in response to the growing prominence of drones in modern warfare, as demonstrated by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. After the retirement of the Gepard anti-aircraft tank, the German military identified a capability gap in its air defense, and the introduction of the Skyranger 30 seeks to address this shortfall.

"The Skyranger 30 provides a critical defense mechanism for our troops in the field, ensuring that they are protected from the evolving threats posed by aerial attacks," a spokesperson from the Bundeswehr said. "This system represents a significant step forward in our air defense capabilities."

At the core of the Skyranger 30 is its powerful 30mm revolver cannon, an adapted version of the cannon used in Sweden’s Viggen fighter jets. With a firing rate of approximately 1,250 rounds per minute, this formidable weapon can fire air-burst ammunition, designed to detonate mid-air for maximum effectiveness against drones and other aerial targets. The system carries 300 rounds of ammunition, providing sustained firepower during combat operations.

The Skyranger 30 air defense system has an effective range of up to 3 km and can engage aerial targets at altitudes of up to approximately 3,000 m. This makes it highly suitable for short to medium-range defense against threats such as drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft.

In addition to the revolver cannon, the Skyranger is equipped with a Stinger anti-aircraft missile launcher, offering a dual-layered defense system. The combination of cannon and missile ensures that threats can be engaged at ranges up to three kilometers, making the system effective against both close-range and medium-range aerial targets.

The Skyranger 30 also boasts advanced protective measures, including the ROSY Rapid Obscuring System, which allows the vehicle to deploy smoke quickly to obscure itself from enemy detection. Additionally, the system is integrated with the Spexer 2000M radar, capable of simultaneously tracking over 300 moving targets, providing comprehensive situational awareness for operators.

The procurement of the Skyranger 30 reflects a broader effort by Germany to accelerate the modernization of its armed forces. The development of the system began in 2018, with the Bundestag approving its procurement in February 2024. The Bundeswehr subsequently signed a framework agreement with Rheinmetall to deliver up to 49 Skyranger systems. The initial order of 19 vehicles, valued at €650 million, includes eight additional reloading vehicles, maintenance equipment, and onboard simulators for training purposes.

The accelerated timeline for the Skyranger’s delivery—taking just under six years from initial development to first delivery—marks a significant improvement over previous defense procurement projects, which often faced lengthy delays. The expedited process is credited to a law passed in July 2022 aimed at streamlining procurement for the German military.

The introduction of the Skyranger 30 is viewed as a strategic response to the evolving nature of warfare, particularly the increasing use of drones on the battlefield. The war in Ukraine has underscored the importance of UAVs in modern conflicts, where they have been deployed for reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeted strikes. With the Skyranger, the German Army will now be equipped with a system specifically designed to counter the threat posed by drones and other airborne threats.

As the first Skyranger 30 is set to arrive by the end of 2024, Germany is positioning itself to enhance its air defense capabilities in the coming years, ensuring that its forces are better prepared for the challenges of future warfare.