Rheinmetall Successfully Conducts First Firing Tests with New Skyranger 35 Mobile Air Defense System.

Rheinmetall, a leading German defense company, has successfully conducted the first firing tests of its Skyranger 35 air defense system mounted on a Leopard 1 tank chassis. Reported on September 20, 2024, by the "OSINTtechnical" account on X (formerly known as Twitter), the Skyranger 35 was observed firing a stream of 35mm shells at a proving ground. This marks a significant milestone in Rheinmetall's development of a new, cost-effective self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG).
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The German Company Rheinmetall has conducted first firing test with its Skyranger 35 air defense system mounted on Leopard 1 tank chassis.  (Picture source: OSINTtechnical)

The Skyranger 35 is designed to provide highly mobile air defense against a variety of aerial threats, including drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft. By integrating the system onto the Leopard 1 chassis, Rheinmetall aims to enhance mobility and operational flexibility while keeping costs down. The Leopard 1, despite being an older platform, remains robust and reliable, making it an ideal choice for such upgrades. Its widespread availability allows countries with existing Leopard 1 fleets to enhance their air defense capabilities without investing in entirely new platforms.

The Skyranger 35 is equipped with a 35mm Oerlikon Revolver Cannon that can fire at a nominal rate of 1,000 rounds per minute, with a rapid single-shot mode of 200 rounds per minute. Its effective range extends up to 4,000 m, and it is capable of engaging small, unmanned aerial targets with precision, especially in loitering or diving attack scenarios.

What sets the Skyranger 35 apart is its integration with advanced targeting systems, including a 360-degree AESA search radar and a Ku-band tracking radar. These sensors work alongside a fully stabilized electro-optical sensor unit, providing seamless detection and tracking of highly agile targets. When combined with Oerlikon Ahead air-burst ammunition, the system can effectively engage even the smallest aerial targets, making it particularly suited for countering drone swarms. With 252 rounds of ready-to-fire ammunition, the Skyranger 35 ensures sustained firepower and quick reaction times in dynamic combat situations.

This combination of high mobility, precision targeting, and rapid-fire capabilities makes the Skyranger 35 an indispensable tool for modern air defense, particularly against emerging unmanned aerial threats that are becoming increasingly common in today's battlefields.

During the tests, the Skyranger 35 demonstrated its ability to accurately engage aerial targets. Its 35mm revolver gun can fire up to 1,000 rounds per minute and utilizes advanced targeting systems. Equipped with ammunition types like the Ahead airburst rounds, it effectively neutralizes fast-moving threats by dispersing a cloud of sub-projectiles.

Rheinmetall's strategic move to utilize existing platforms reflects a focus on providing cost-effective solutions without compromising performance. This approach reduces production and maintenance expenses and offers scalable options for militaries to upgrade their defensive capabilities. The successful testing underscores the company's commitment to addressing the evolving landscape of aerial threats, especially with the increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and the need for rapid response to air attacks.

The advancement of the Skyranger 35 on the Leopard 1 chassis is expected to accelerate its path to full operational deployment. Potential customers may include nations seeking to upgrade their air defense systems efficiently and economically. As aerial threats become more sophisticated, the development of versatile and responsive air defense solutions like the Skyranger 35 will be crucial in strengthening global defense readiness.

Rheinmetall AG, with over a century of experience, continues to innovate in response to modern defense challenges. Specializing in automotive and defense technologies, the company has been instrumental in developing cutting-edge military equipment, including armored vehicles, weapons systems, and ammunition. This latest achievement not only enhances Rheinmetall's product portfolio but also contributes to providing integrated solutions that meet the diverse needs of armed forces worldwide.

The new mobile air defense system Skyranger 35 turret mounted on Leopard 1 tank was unveiled in June 2024 during the defense exhibition in Paris, France. (Picture source Army Recognition Group)