Netherlands Acquires 22 Tracked Vehicles to Combat Drone Threats
On January 29, 2025, the Netherlands announced plans to purchase 22 Skyranger 30 short-range air defense systems mounted on ACSV Gen 5 tracked armored vehicles, for a total of 1.3 billion euros ($1.35 billion). This move is part of the country’s Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) program, aimed at enhancing protection against drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft.
The Dutch Ministry of Defense expects to sign contracts soon, with deliveries set for 2028. These advanced air defense systems will be integrated into the Defense Ground-Based Air Defense Command (DGLC) at Lieutenant-General Best Barracks in Vredepeel. This procurement strengthens the Netherlands’ mobile air defense and aligns with NATO’s efforts to improve security in Europe.
The Netherlands is modernizing its air defense with multiple acquisitions. The Skyranger 30 will be integrated with the Norwegian Mobile Ground-Based Air Defense System (NOMADS), replacing Fennek vehicles armed with FIM-92 Stinger missiles. Mounted on the ACSV G5 platform, NOMADS will use the NASAMS command system and AIM-9X II Sidewinder missiles (15 km range), entering service by 2028. To strengthen medium-range air defense, the Netherlands is also acquiring 21 NASAMS units with AIM-120 AMRAAM-ER missiles, complementing its existing Patriot PAC-2 and PAC-3 MSE batteries. Additionally, in partnership with Germany and Italy, the country is purchasing 940 FIM-92K Stinger Block I missiles via NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency. The NOMADS system will feature five command vehicles on the ACSV G5 platform, enhancing coordination. The Netherlands currently operates two NASAMS II batteries with AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radars and four Patriot batteries under 802 Squadron.
The Skyranger 30 is a short-range air defense system developed by Rheinmetall Air Defence AG and first showcased in March 2021. It was designed to address the decline of mobile air defense in Western land forces after the Cold War. The system features a turret weighing between 2.5 and 3.4 tons, armed with the Oerlikon KCE 30×173 mm cannon, capable of firing airburst rounds at 1,250 rounds per minute with an effective range of 3 km. It carries 300 ready rounds, including PMC308 ammunition with 162 tungsten sub-projectiles and the upcoming PMC455 variant, which contains 500 tungsten cylinders for enhanced lethality.
The Skyranger 30 can also integrate two or four short-range surface-to-air missiles, such as Stinger, Mistral, or SkyKnight, extending its engagement range to 9 km. Additionally, a specialized version has been developed with nine Small Anti-Drone Missiles (SADM) based on the MBDA Enforcer, offering a range of 5–6 km to counter drone threats effectively. This system enhances mobile air defense by providing rapid-response capabilities against drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft, making it a crucial asset for modern military forces.