Rheinmetall Delivers Skyranger 30 Verification Model to Bundeswehr for Testing

In late January 2025, Rheinmetall delivered the first Boxer Skyranger 30 air defense vehicle to the Bundeswehr. This verification model is set for rigorous testing and evaluation, marking a pivotal step before the system enters full-scale production.

Addressing Modern Aerial Threats

The Skyranger 30 is engineered to fill critical gaps in mobile air defense, especially against emerging threats like unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and low-flying projectiles. By integrating advanced weaponry and sensor systems onto a mobile platform, it offers a blend of mobility, protection, and precision.

Key Specifications and Features

• Armament: Central to the Skyranger 30 is the 30mm x 173 Oerlikon KCE revolver cannon, renowned for its high rate of fire and precision. This cannon can achieve a nominal firing rate of 1,200 rounds per minute, with an effective range of up to 3,000 meters. The system also supports the integration of short-range air defense missiles, extending its engagement capabilities.

• Ammunition: The cannon utilizes airburst munitions, enhancing its effectiveness against small and agile targets. The AHEAD (Advanced Hit Efficiency And Destruction) programmable ammunition is optimized for countering UAVs and other aerial threats.

• Turret Design: The remote-controlled turret weighs between 1,500 to 2,000 kilograms without ammunition and has an elevation range from -10 to +85 degrees, allowing for versatile targeting across various altitudes.

• Mobility and Platform: Mounted on the Boxer wheeled armored vehicle, the Skyranger 30 combines the mobility of the Boxer platform with advanced air defense capabilities, ensuring rapid deployment and repositioning as battlefield conditions evolve.

Integration and Future Enhancements

Initially, the German variant of the Skyranger 30 will be equipped with Stinger missiles. Plans are underway to upgrade the system with specialized drone defense missiles, further bolstering its capability to neutralize UAV threats. The turret is designed for both autonomous operation and integration into networked defense systems, enhancing situational awareness and coordinated responses.

Contractual Developments and Production Timeline

This delivery stems from a contract signed in February 2024, wherein Rheinmetall committed to supplying 19 Skyranger 30 systems to Germany, including the verification model. The contract, valued at €595 million, includes an option for an additional 30 systems. Serial deliveries are slated to occur primarily in 2027 and early 2028.

European Collaboration and Interest

The Skyranger 30 is a component of the European Sky Shield initiative, a collaborative air defense program among NATO and EU nations. Countries such as Austria, Denmark, and Hungary have already placed orders for variants of the system to enhance their military platforms. Notably, in January 2025, the Netherlands announced plans to procure 22 Skyranger 30 systems, with the contract expected to be finalized before the year's end.

As aerial threats continue to evolve, the Skyranger 30 represents a significant advancement in mobile air defense technology, offering nations a robust solution to protect their airspace and ground forces.