Germany is about to conclude a mega-contract with Rheinmetall for the acquisition of up to 600 Skyranger air defense systems, for an estimated value between $ 7 and 9 billion dollars. The 30 mm barrel, mounted on armored vehicles Boxer 8 × 8, uses programmable ammunition and advanced radars to neutralize drones, cruise missiles and other threats at low altitude.
This decision marks the return of Germany to short -range air defense systems (Shorad), abandoned after the Cold War with the retirement of Gepard, now successfully reused by Ukraine against Russian drones.
In addition to its lower cost compared to the missiles, Skyranger 30 is distinguished by its versatility: it combines an automatic barrel with air-to-air projectiles and Stinger missiles, capable of protecting troops in motion or fixed infrastructure. Countries like Austria, Hungary and Lithuania have also expressed their interest in the system. Meanwhile, Ukraine has developed an economic alternative, the Sky Sentinel, with machine guns .50 and AI, showing that modern war requires diversified solutions against affordable air threats.
Rheinmetall will already provide 18 Skyranger units by 2035, but Germany plans to integrate it into a multilayer defense network, including lasers and interceptors in the future. This investment reflects the urgency of containing risks such as Shaheds attacks, which has become an inexpensive and effective weapon in recent conflicts.
Thus, the Bundeswehr does not only recover a lost capacity, but adapts to a scenario where drones can change the course of battles.
Source : The War Zone | Photo: x @rheinmetallag | This content was created with the help of the AI and reread by the editorial team
Mobile Air Defence at its best: This #Boxer is equipped with the Oerlikon Skyranger 30mm gun turret, with integrated search/tracking radars and e/o sensor unit. With #Rheinmetall|s Ahead air burst ammo, the gun is highly effective against drones and missiles. #Bundeswehr #Ila2022 pic.twitter.com/xGV8tVbzSl
— Rheinmetall (@RheinmetallAG) June 22, 2022
