Discover Skyranger 30 Rheinmetall Mobile Air Defence in Germany’s 500+ Unit Deal.

Rheinmetall expects to secure a major order for its family of Skyranger self-propelled air-defense systems from the Bundeswehr, CEO Armin Papperger said on August 7. In a conference call with analysts and journalists, he stated that the group anticipates concluding, by the end of 2025, a contract valued between €6 and €8 billion for the supply of a “significant number” of systems. According to estimates from specialized press outlets and industry sources, this acquisition could cover between 500 and 600 units, to be delivered progressively until 2035. The deal would take the form of a framework agreement, followed by execution tranches, with a first phase running until 2029 and a second from 2029 to 2035. This program aligns with Berlin’s commitment to raise defense spending to around 3.5% of GDP by 2029, in line with NATO targets, which are also set for review that same year.
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The Skyranger 30 is a new-generation self-propelled air-defense system designed to counter drones, loitering munitions, and other low-altitude threats

Germany placed an initial order in February 2024 for one prototype and 18 production Skyranger 30 vehicles, with an option for 30 more, under the Nah- und Nächstbereichsschutz (NNbS) program for short- and very short-range air defense. The prototype, delivered in early 2025, is mounted on the 8x8 Boxer armored vehicle, offering greater strategic mobility than older tracked systems while maintaining strong protection. Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger announced on August 7 that the company expects to sign, by the end of 2025, a contract worth between €6 and €8 billion for a large number of Skyranger 30 systems. Estimates from industry sources suggest 500 to 600 units, delivered progressively until 2035, under a framework agreement with multiple phases running to 2029 and then to 2035.

The Skyranger 30 is a new-generation self-propelled air-defense system designed to counter drones, loitering munitions, and other low-altitude threats. Its Rheinmetall Air Defence turret mounts a 30x173 mm KCE revolver cannon capable of firing up to 1,200 rounds per minute, with an effective range of about 3 km. Using programmable AHEAD ammunition, it releases a dense cloud of sub-projectiles ahead of the target, maximizing the chance of destruction while minimizing collateral damage. Complementing the gun is a short-range missile launcher compatible with FIM-92 Stinger, MBDA Mistral 3, and Halcon SkyKnight missiles. Germany has selected the Stinger, extending engagement range to about 8 km. Detection is handled by the Spexer 2000 3D MKIII X-band radar, with a 40 km range, supported by electro-optical sensors for day/night tracking and identification.

Networked operations are central to the Skyranger 30’s design. It can share and receive targeting data from long-range radars, passive sensors, and electronic warfare units, integrating into a layered C-UAS and SHORAD network. This approach improves coverage, coordination, and reaction times. Rheinmetall is also preparing for future upgrades, including the integration of directed-energy weapons, starting with a 20 kW laser and scalable to 50 or even 100 kW, aimed at providing cost-effective interception of micro-drones and short-range projectiles.

Germany’s decision to invest heavily in a gun-based air-defense system reflects lessons from the war in Ukraine. Drone and cruise missile threats have forced many nations to reassess their short-range air-defense capabilities, often neglected since the end of the Cold War. Germany retired its Gepard in 2010, but the twin 35 mm gun system on a Leopard 1 chassis has proven highly effective in Ukrainian service against Shahed/Geran drones. This combat experience has reinforced the value of gun systems for defeating low-cost aerial threats, where missile use would be economically disproportionate.

Ammunition supply, however, remains a challenge. For the Gepard, Swiss neutrality restricted access to 35 mm rounds, forcing Germany to restart domestic production. Some experts suggest lighter, cheaper alternatives, such as 12.7 mm heavy machine gun systems with AI-assisted fire control, like Ukraine’s Sky Sentinel. While less expensive, these systems have shorter range and lower versatility compared to the Skyranger 30, which can defend both mobile units and fixed infrastructure against a wider range of threats. Rheinmetall is also exploring other configurations, such as mounting the Skyranger 35 turret on Leopard 1 or Leopard 2 chassis to meet growing SHORAD demand.

The growing UAV threat, armed, kamikaze, or reconnaissance, has accelerated the development of new dedicated counter-drone platforms. Alongside Germany’s Skyranger 30 are Russia’s Derivatsiya-PVO, Serbia’s PASARS-16, and China’s Type 625E. These combine high-rate-of-fire cannons, short-range missiles, and multi-sensor detection suites, integrated into networks linked with long-range radars, passive sensors, and electronic warfare assets. The challenge remains in detecting low-cost, low-flying drones and intercepting them economically. The future will depend on miniaturized AESA radars, affordable guided munitions, onboard AI for rapid target identification, and better interoperability between defense layers, aiming to create a resilient shield against evolving UAV threats.