Close-up of Skyranger 30 system awarded "German Military Medal"

Skyranger 30 is a short-range air defense system developed by Rheinmetall Air Defence, first introduced in 2021. It is equipped with a 30 mm KCE-ABM rotary cannon capable of firing programmable air-explosive rounds to destroy drones, helicopters, low-flying aircraft, cruise missiles and precision-guided munitions.

The system integrates a short-range missile launcher compatible with the MBDA Mistral 3, RTX Stinger and Halcon SkyKnight interceptors, giving operators flexibility to counter a wide range of airborne threats.

Future configurations are planned to incorporate directed energy weapons, starting with 20-kilowatt laser systems and scalable up to 100-kilowatts, enhancing the ability to destroy small, fast, low-signal targets at minimal cost per shot.

The turret supports dual radar target acquisition suites with fixed active electronically scanned arrays or AESA antennas for 360-degree coverage, combined with multiple roof-mounted electro-optical sensor packages for all-day target tracking and identification.

The modular design allows integration onto fixed, wheeled or tracked platforms for point defense or mobile protection, with an open systems approach supporting cost-effective upgrades and mission adaptation.

In December 2023, the Skyranger 30A1 developmental test stand was tested in live-fire exercises at the Ochsenboden test range in stationary and mobile modes. Full system evaluation of the Skyranger 30A3 version is expected to take place in mid-2024.

Michael Gerber's experience in the development of the Skyranger 35, the KDG revolver and the Millennium naval gun. In addition to being a concept demonstrator, the Skyranger 30 A0 turret was also successfully used as a platform to integrate and showcase the entire range of Rheinmetall capabilities and products such as the ROSY (Robust Obstruction System) and the Fast Infrared Search and Track (FIRST) sensor.

The new roadmap was announced by Rheinmetall after the company delivered the first Boxer Skyranger 30 gun-mounted air defense vehicle to the Bundeswehr in February 2025. This version will be used for training and testing in the coming months.

In 2024, Germany ordered the test vehicle along with 18 series-production Skyrangers scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2028. Current negotiations outline delivery phases through 2029.

However, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger said the potential deal is worth between 6 billion and 8 billion euros ($6.9 billion and $9.2 billion) for “a large number” of systems. Germany may not use all of them and will use some for export, with Switzerland being one of the first to place orders. Such a large order is known in the German military as a “Major German Military Order”.

While exact numbers were not disclosed, previous planning documents from Berlin indicated a potential need for 500 to 600 Skyranger 30s in various configurations, Defence Industry Europe reported.

Papperger provided more details on future procurement, saying it is expected to start with a framework agreement followed by phased contracts. Current negotiations outline delivery phases through 2029 and the next phase from 2029 to 2035.

The upcoming acquisition fits into Germany's commitment to meet NATO defense spending standards, with a target of spending around 3.5% of GDP on defense by 2029. The alliance's capability targets are also scheduled to be revised that year.