“SkyGuard Revolution: Rheinmetall Delivers Cutting-Edge Skyranger 30 Air Defense for Bundeswehr on Boxer Platform”

The Bundeswehr has commissioned Rheinmetall with another significant aerial defense initiative. The Düsseldorf-based company is set to deliver the German military the Skyranger 30 mobile aerial defense system shortly. Valued at €595 million (including VAT), the agreement encompasses the provision of a prototype alongside 18 additional production units. Moreover, there is an option for purchasing an extra 30 units. The prototype is expected to be delivered by the conclusion of 2024.

Just last month, the Bundeswehr assigned Rheinmetall and its partner firms with the task of creating a system for short- and very short-range aerial defense known as the NNbS, where the Skyranger 30 will play a crucial role.

A vital element of the NNbS, the Skyranger 30 is integrated into the German government’s European Sky Shield Initiative, within which Germany, operating in a NATO framework, has taken on the lead position in ground-based air defense across Europe.

The Skyranger 30 addresses a pressing existing capability shortage in mobile aerial defense. The system provides an ideal mix of mobility, protection, adaptability, and accuracy, making it well-suited to face new threats in the short- and very short-range defense spectrum. As a hybrid solution, the system’s turret incorporates the highly efficient 30mm x 173 KCE revolver gun, surface-to-air missiles, and the essential sensor suite, all mounted on a single platform. The Skyranger 30 units designated for Germany will be equipped with Stinger missiles. Depending on client specifications, the system can be outfitted with various modern guided missiles such as the Mistral, Stinger, or specialized C-UAS missiles.

A carefully designed mix of various effectors, outstanding mobility, a broad elevation range, and cutting-edge sensors facilitate both autonomous and networked operations. With Rheinmetall’s programmable airburst ammunition, the system is particularly effective against drones. The compact turret is streamlined into an 8×8 Boxer wheeled armored vehicle.

The first client is Austria, which has recently placed an order for thirty-six Skyranger 30 systems. Additional NATO and/or EU member nations have also indicated interest in the system or are already in the process of securing it. In December 2023, Hungary directed Rheinmetall to create a concept for a Skyranger 30 turret intended for the future aerial defense variant of the Lynx KF41 tracked armored vehicle. Lithuania is examining the Boxer-mounted Skyranger 30, while Denmark has plans to acquire the Skyranger 30 solution in conjunction with another wheeled armored vehicle.

As recently as December 2023, a functional prototype of the Skyranger 30 successfully completed live-fire field tests at the Group’s testing ground in Ochsenboden, Switzerland, demonstrating effectiveness in both stationary and mobile scenarios. The functional demonstrator yielded crucial insights that will expedite production and integration of the German verification model while minimizing risk.