Rheinmetall to begin Skyranger 30 deliveries to strengthen European air defense capabilities.

As reported by ESUT on November 30, 2024, Rheinmetall is set to begin deliveries of its Skyranger 30 air defense system within weeks. A total of 71 systems have been ordered by Germany, Denmark, Austria, and Hungary to counter modern aerial threats. This marks a key step in advancing mobile air defense capabilities across Europe. The system counters a range of threats, including drones, loitering munitions, cruise missiles, and short-range ballistic missiles, using a 30mm automatic cannon, surface-to-air missiles, and advanced sensors.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The Skyranger 30 turret could be mounted on various vehicles, including the KF41 Lynx, the Pandur EVO, and the Boxer 8x8. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Hungary will acquire 18 Skyranger 30 units mounted on Lynx KF41 platforms, with deliveries scheduled between 2025 and 2026. A €30 million contract signed in December 2023 covers the turret’s development and integration with Mistral missiles. This procurement is part of Hungary's involvement in the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), a NATO-aligned effort focused on collaborative air defense development, procurement, and deployment. Hungarian officials confirmed that the system is being developed in cooperation with Germany and Denmark to meet operational requirements.

Germany has ordered 19 Skyranger 30 systems, mounted on Boxer 8x8 vehicles, to address near- and very-short-range air defense needs. These systems will enhance the Bundeswehr’s ability to protect forces and infrastructure with coverage up to approximately 40 kilometers. The €595 million contract includes one prototype and 18 production systems, with further units under consideration for future procurement.

Austria is procuring 36 Skyranger 30 systems to be mounted on Pandur EVO 6x6 vehicles, with an option for nine additional units. Deliveries will begin in 2026 under a contract signed in February 2024. The Austrian variant will integrate Mistral missiles and features a lighter turret tailored for the Pandur chassis. Denmark has ordered 16 systems to be mounted on Piranha V platforms, with four prototypes expected by 2026 and full delivery by 2028.

The Skyranger 30 turret incorporates a 30mm Oerlikon KCE automatic cannon with a firing rate of 1,200 rounds per minute. It supports various missile options, including Stinger, Mistral, and Chiron, extending its engagement range to 9 kilometers. Equipped with advanced sensors like the SPEXER 2000M 3D MkIII radar, the turret provides 360-degree coverage and robust detection against UAVs, helicopters, and cruise missiles. It also includes passive detection systems and electro-optical sensors for enhanced tracking and targeting.

Protection features include modular armor upgradeable to STANAG 4569 Level 4 and the ROSY smoke grenade system for threat concealment. Future variants may incorporate electronic warfare capabilities, such as RF jammers and high-energy lasers, to neutralize small, fast-moving targets. These features also aligns with the broader ESSI framework, aimed at strengthening NATO’s air defense through resource pooling and system standardization. The Skyranger 30 offers a flexible, mobile solution for short- and very-short-range air defense to counter emerging threats.

Development of the Skyranger 30 was driven by renewed demand for mobile air defense systems after Western militaries largely divested such capabilities post-Cold War. First showcased in 2021, the system underwent live-fire demonstrations in 2023. Testing of the latest variant continues, with full qualification expected by mid-2024.

Rheinmetall’s production facilities in Hungary are contributing to the Lynx-based Skyranger 30, underscoring regional industrial collaboration. The system has also been proposed to potential operators, including Lithuania and the United States, with discussions involving possible local production in cooperation with Lockheed Martin. As deliveries advance, the Skyranger 30 is poised to become a cornerstone of Europe’s integrated air defense, enhancing capabilities across diverse platforms and operational settings.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has led European countries to increase investments in mobile short-range air defense (SHORAD) systems to counter threats such as drones and missiles. Germany and Denmark have acquired Rheinmetall's Skyranger systems, reflecting a focus on addressing aerial challenges. Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has introduced the National Maneuver Air Defence System (NOMADS), a mobile SHORAD platform designed to engage drones, cruise missiles, and aircraft, with its development informed by the conflict in Ukraine. Additionally, the United Kingdom has provided Ukraine with ground-launched ASRAAM systems, which have demonstrated a 90% effectiveness rate against aerial threats. These acquisitions indicate a European trend towards bolstering air defense capabilities in response to lessons learned from the conflict.