Rheinmetall Delivers First Skyranger 30 Air Defence System to German Army
Rheinmetall has successfully delivered the first Boxer Skyranger 30 air defense vehicle to the German Bundeswehr, marking a significant step in strengthening Germany’s air defense capabilities. The delivery, completed at the end of January 2025, introduces a verification model that will undergo extensive testing, including user training and operational trials, set to begin in the spring of 2025. Following successful trials and approval, serial deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2027 and continue into 2028, ensuring the Bundeswehr is equipped with state-of-the-art air defense technology.
(Picture source: Rheinmetall)
This delivery is part of a contract signed in February 2024, which includes one verification model and 18 production vehicles. The contract, valued at approximately €595 million, also includes an option for an additional 30 systems. The Skyranger 30 is a highly mobile air defense system designed to counter modern aerial threats with speed, precision, and flexibility. It plays a key role in Germany’s NNbS air defense system and is a major component of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), a program aimed at strengthening air defense across NATO and the European Union. With its advanced technology and short-range protection capabilities, the Skyranger 30 meets the growing demand for mobile and effective air defense solutions. Germany is leading this initiative, and several partner nations have already expressed interest in adopting the system to enhance their defense capabilities.
The Skyranger 30 is a highly advanced short-range air defense system designed for rapid and effective protection against aerial threats. Developed by Rheinmetall Air Defence AG and produced first in 2024, this system is mounted on a turret weighing 2.5 to 3.4 tons with compact dimensions for easy deployment. It is equipped with an Oerlikon KCE 30×173mm cannon and fires 1,200 rounds per minute with a muzzle velocity of 1,050 m/s, ensuring high-speed target engagement.
(Rheinmetall)
In addition to its powerful cannon, the Skyranger 30 integrates surface-to-air missiles with a range of 5 to 8 kilometers, while the cannon has an effective range of 3 kilometers. The system utilizes programmable airburst ammunition, allowing precise strikes against drones and low-altitude threats. It is built for battlefield durability and it features STANAG 4569 Level 2 armor which is upgradeable to Level 4 for enhanced protection against modern threats.
Designed for a three-person crew, the Skyranger 30 can operate autonomously or within a network, making it a versatile and mobile air defense solution. Its ability to intercept drones, missiles, and low-flying aircraft makes it a crucial asset for military forces, providing fast and reliable air defense in dynamic combat environments.
The introduction of the Skyranger 30 represents a significant step in modernizing European air defense capabilities. The system is expected to enhance Germany’s ability to defend against drone swarms, cruise missiles, and other aerial threats.