Rheinmetall Unveils Skyranger Air Defense Fusion in Pandur Armored Vehicle
In its continuous military expansion, Austria has granted a significant air defence initiative to the Düsseldorf-based technology firm Rheinmetall. Valued at a mid-three-digit million-euro figure, this agreement involves the advanced Skyranger air defence framework. Deliveries are set to begin in 2026.
For this undertaking, Rheinmetall is collaborating as a subcontractor of GDELS, the manufacturer responsible for enhancing Austria’s fleet of Pandur wheeled armored vehicles, which is part of the Austrian Army’s initiative to elevate its operational agility. The Skyranger presents a versatile turret solution that can be fitted onto various compatible vehicle platforms, such as the 6×6 GDELS Pandur EVO.
A segment of Austria’s Pandur fleet—comprising 36 vehicles—will be outfitted with the Skyranger turret, thereby providing them with a mobile air defence capability. Skyranger integrates cutting-edge sensors with a high-efficiency 30mm automatic cannon and guided missiles, specifically the Mistral in this instance.
Following a Skyranger development agreement with Hungary in December 2023, this initial series production order signifies a substantial market breakthrough for this innovative new system.
The Skyranger 30’s success in Austria sets the groundwork for further advancements across Europe. Anticipated orders from Germany and Denmark are forthcoming, and following the successful completion of the development contract, Hungary is expected to follow suit.
As stated by Armin Papperger, Chairman of the Executive Board of Rheinmetall AG, “We sincerely value the confidence of our friends and partners in Austria. Developed in Switzerland by Rheinmetall, this system will significantly enhance air defence capabilities, initially in Austria and subsequently in other nations.”
The acquisition of thirty-six Skyranger 30 air defence systems mounted on the 6×6 GDELS Pandur EVO positions Austria as a leader in mobile ground-based air defence within Europe. After an extensive, globally recognized situational analysis, the Austrian Army prioritized a comprehensive renewal of its air defence systems. Approved in December 2023, the modernization and enhancement of Austria’s existing stationary 35mm systems to
Skyguard Next Generation (NG) status represented the first phase. Now, with the decision to deploy the Skyranger 30, the capability gap in mobile air defence will soon be resolved.
“This order reaffirms Rheinmetall’s technological superiority in short-range air defence,” asserts Oliver Dürr, CEO of Rheinmetall Air Defence.
With the nearly simultaneous introduction of a rapidly deployable 35mm solution, the Austrian military is exemplifying modern air defence strategies. Progressive networking and integration of current and higher-echelon systems will yield significant strategic benefits.
Through close collaboration with Austria’s exceptionally skilled decision-makers, Rheinmetall experts have designed a unique lightweight version of the Skyranger 30 that can be seamlessly integrated into the GDELS Pandur. The Skyranger 30 effectively addresses both current and future aerial threats facing ground units, enabling them to concentrate on their core missions.
A carefully considered blend of various effectors, maximum mobility, extensive elevation range, and cutting-edge sensors facilitate both autonomous and networked operations.
The new contract underscores Rheinmetall’s pivotal role in revitalizing European armed forces to face modern threats, including both stationary and mobile air defence solutions led by Rheinmetall Air Defence, overseen by Oliver Dürr.
