In response to rapidly evolving aerial threats, particularly the rise of drones and other unmanned aerial systems (UAS), the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) have embarked on a significant upgrade to their air defense capabilities. Central to this initiative is the acquisition of 19 advanced Skyranger 30 mobile air defense systems, set for delivery by Rheinmetall by 2028. The German defense contractor is expected to supply a prototype by the end of 2024, with 18 serial production units to follow. This purchase is part of a wider push to modernise Germany’s air defense systems and better protect critical infrastructure and troops in an increasingly complex threat environment. The Skyranger 30 acquisition is not just a national upgrade—it is a critical component of Germany’s participation in the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), a continent-wide effort to develop a robust, integrated air defense system. As the lead nation within NATO for ground-based air defense in Europe, Germany is positioning itself as a central figure in bolstering continental defense against emerging threats from hostile aircraft, drones, and missiles. The ESSI aims to unify and improve European nations’ air defense capabilities, creating a multi-layered protective shield across Europe, where systems like the Skyranger 30 play a vital role. Germany’s involvement in ESSI is also tied to its broader efforts to strengthen NATO’s defensive posture in the face of increasing geopolitical challenges.
The modernisation of its air defense helps ensure that Germany can effectively respond to the diverse aerial threats posed by state and non-state actors alike, including drone swarms, loitering munitions, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft. With the retirement of the Gepard anti-aircraft system, the Bundeswehr faced a critical gap in its short-range air defense. The Gepard had become outdated in the face of modern threats, particularly the growing use of drones in military operations. The Skyranger 30 is designed to fill this gap, offering a highly mobile and flexible air defense solution tailored to counter these new challenges. Mounted on the Boxer 8×8 wheeled armoured vehicle, the Skyranger 30 turret combines advanced armaments with state-of-the-art radar and sensor systems, providing a robust response to low-altitude threats. The system features a 30mm KCE revolver cannon, capable of firing at 1,250 rounds per minute, and surface-to-air missiles for layered defense. This combination allows the Skyranger 30 to engage a wide variety of targets, from drones and helicopters to low-flying aircraft. The turret is designed for both autonomous operations and integration into broader, networked air defense systems, ensuring it can work seamlessly with other assets in NATO’s air defense architecture.
A standout feature of the Skyranger 30 is its use of programmable airburst ammunition, which is particularly effective against small, fast-moving aerial targets such as drones. This ammunition, when fired from the system’s KCE 30mm cannon, detonates mid-air at a precise point, creating a burst of tungsten projectiles that maximises the probability of hitting the target. This capability is especially valuable in countering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which have become a pervasive threat in modern conflict zones due to their small size, low cost, and ability to carry out both reconnaissance and strike missions. In addition to its impressive firepower, the Skyranger 30 is equipped with sophisticated radar and sensor technologies, giving it exceptional detection and tracking capabilities. The SPEXER 2000M 3D MkIII X-band radar, developed by Hensoldt, allows the system to detect a wide range of targets, from light aircraft to micro-drones. This radar can simultaneously track over 300 moving targets while the vehicle is on the move, ensuring continuous coverage in dynamic operational environments. The radar’s ability to detect UAVs with a radar cross-section as small as 0.2m² at ranges up to 9km is a critical advantage in countering drone threats, which are often difficult to detect using traditional radar systems. Complementing the radar system is Rheinmetall’s Fast InfraRed Search and Track (FIRST) system, which enhances the Skyranger 30’s ability to passively detect targets such as helicopters.
While the 30mm cannon provides effective coverage for very short-range engagements, the Skyranger 30 also offers the option of integrating a range of surface-to-air missiles to extend its reach. Due to the system’s reduced weight, the Skyranger 30 turret is able to integrate very short range missiles. Rheinmetall has designed the system to accommodate several missile types, including the FIM-92 Stinger and the Mistral, as well as Rheinmetall’s own SkyKnight missile system. The SkyKnight is an all-weather multi-target short-range air defense missile.[4][5] It was developed by Halcon Systems and is the United Arab Emirates’ first designed counter-rocket, artillery, and mortar (C-RAM) missile. These missile systems extend the Skyranger’s engagement range up to 9km, allowing it to neutralise threats at longer distances while the cannon covers closer targets. In August 2023, MBDA presented a four-missile launcher mockup for Mistral missiles for the Skyranger 30, double the capacity compared to the original concept. Notably, Rheinmetall Air Defence and MBDA Deutschland unveiled a version of the Skyranger 30 at the ILA Berlin Air Show in 2024, equipped with nine Small Anti-Drone Missiles (SADM). The SADM missile’s range is about 5-6 km. These missiles, based on the MBDA Enforcer, provide an additional layer of defense against drones, making the Skyranger 30 particularly effective in countering drone swarms and other UAV threats.
