As part of its ongoing military build-up, Austria has awarded the Düsseldorf-based tech group Rheinmetall a significant air defense project. Worth a figure in the mid-three-digit million-euro range, the contract encompasses the cutting-edge Skyranger air defense system. Delivery commences in 2026. Under the project, Rheinmetall is serving as a subcontractor of GDELS, the vehicle maker tasked with upgrading Austria’s fleet of Pandur EVO 6×6 wheeled armoured vehicles, part of the Austrian Army’s push to improve its operational mobility. The Skyranger is a versatile turret solution that can be mounted on a variety of suitable vehicle platforms, including the Pandur EVO. Part of Austria’s Pandur fleet – 36 vehicles – will be equipped with the Skyranger turret, giving them a mobile air defense capability. Skyranger combines state-of-the-art sensors with a high-performance 30mm automatic cannon and guided missiles, in this case the Mistral.
Coming in the wake of a Skyranger development contract from Hungary in December 2023, this first series production order marks a major market breakthrough for the innovative new system. The Skyranger 30’s breakthrough in Austria sets the stage for further advances in Europe. Orders from Germany and Denmark are expected soon, and – following successful conclusion of the development contract – from Hungary as well. The procurement of thirty-six Skyranger 30 air defense systems mounted on the GDELS Pandur EVO 6×6 wheeled armoured vehicles places Austria at the forefront of mobile ground-based air defense in Europe. Following an extraordinary, comprehensive, internationally acclaimed situation analysis, the Austrian Army made the complete renewal of its air defense capabilities a top priority. Decided on in December 2023, the modernization and upgrade of Austria’s existing stationary 35mm systems to Skyguard Next Generation (NG) status was the first step.
In the words of Armin Papperger, chairman of the executive board of Rheinmetall AG, “We greatly appreciate the trust of our friends and partners in Austria. Developed in Switzerland by Rheinmetall, this system will make a decisive contribution to improving air defense capabilities, first in Austria but soon in other countries, too.”
“This order underscores once again Rheinmetall’s technological lead in short-range air defense”, declares Oliver Dürr, CEO of Rheinmetall Air Defense.
Now, following the decision to introduce the Skyranger 30, the capability gap in mobile air defense will soon be bridged as well. With the almost simultaneous introduction of a rapidly deployable 35mm solution, the Austrian military is now pointing the way in contemporary air defense. Progressive networking and integration of existing and higher-echelon systems will result in decisive strategic advantages. Working in close cooperation with Austria’s exceptionally competent decisionmakers, Rheinmetall specialists designed a special lightweight version of the Skyranger 30 that can be readily integrated into the GDELS Pandur. The Skyranger 30 effectively counters current and emerging aerial threats to ground forces, enabling them to focus on their prime tasks. A meticulously thought-out combination of different effectors, maximum mobility, a large elevation range and state-of-the-art sensors enable autonomous and networked operations alike. The new contract highlights Rheinmetall’s role in reequipping the armed forces of Europe to contend with new threats, including stationary and mobile air defense solutions from Rheinmetall Air Defense, headed by Oliver Dürr.
