Denmark Orders 16 Skyranger 30 Turrets from Rheinmetall for Its 8x8 Vehicles.

Denmark has placed an order with Rheinmetall for the supply of 16 Skyranger 30 turrets, which will be integrated into 8x8 tactical vehicles for the Danish armed forces. This contract, valued in the lower hundreds of millions of euros, also includes a separate order for ammunition, estimated in the tens of millions of euros. Deliveries of these systems are scheduled between 2027 and 2028, with a prototype expected by the end of 2026. This announcement was made by the German company Rheinmetall on September 30, 2024.
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The Skyranger 30 is a very short-range air defense system designed to counter modern aerial threats, such as drones, helicopters, and other low-flying aircraft. (Picture source: Rheinmetall)

According to Lieutenant General Per Pugholm Olsen, head of the Danish procurement agency, this contract marks a crucial step in establishing the brigade’s air defense, thus strengthening its operational capabilities. The selection of the Skyranger 30 was made in close cooperation with the Danish Defence Command to ensure the system meets the country’s strategic needs.

Oliver Duerr, CEO of Rheinmetall Electronic Solutions, expressed his gratitude to Denmark for its trust in the Skyranger 30, highlighting the system’s versatility and its successful integration into various vehicle platforms. This order confirms Rheinmetall’s position as a leader in cannon-based air defense systems.

The Skyranger 30 is a very short-range air defense system designed to counter modern aerial threats, such as drones, helicopters, and other low-flying aircraft. Developed by Rheinmetall Air Defence AG, the core of the system lies in its lightweight turret, which weighs between 2.5 and 3.4 tons depending on the configuration. The turret’s compact dimensions ensure greater flexibility on the battlefield. Measuring 5.17 meters in length, 2.56 meters in width, and 1.44 meters in height, the turret can be installed on various types of armored vehicles. It is operated by a crew of three, who control both the main weaponry and the detection systems.

The Skyranger 30 is equipped with a 30mm Oerlikon KCE revolver cannon, using airburst munitions that detonate near the target to maximize effectiveness against fast-moving and small aerial threats. The cannon is capable of firing up to 1,200 rounds per minute, with a nominal rate of 200 rounds per minute in single-shot mode, offering great operational flexibility. Its effective range is 3 kilometers for the cannon, while the onboard missiles provide a range of 5 to 8 kilometers, expanding the coverage against more distant targets.

In terms of protection, the turret benefits from ballistic protection compliant with STANAG 4569 Level 2, which shields it from shell fragments and small-caliber fire. This protection can be upgraded to Level 4, providing enhanced resistance in hostile environments.

The Skyranger 30 combines firepower, mobility, and protection, making it a modern and adaptable solution to very short-range aerial threats. It meets the needs of armies for rapid and efficient air defense, while also being capable of integrating into larger defense systems thanks to its modularity and networked communication capabilities.

This Danish order adds to a growing list of countries opting for the Skyranger 30. Austria was the first country to acquire 36 units, and other NATO and EU member states are considering or have already initiated the purchase of this system. Furthermore, in December 2023, Hungary commissioned Rheinmetall to develop the Skyranger 30 for the tracked Lynx KF41 vehicle, while the German Bundeswehr has also placed an order for this system, with a prototype delivery expected by the end of 2024 and 18 series vehicles to follow.

The continued success of the Skyranger 30 underscores Rheinmetall’s leading role in the global market for ground-based cannon air defense systems, positioning the company as a key player in the defense industry.