Germany is set to finalize a mega-contract with Rheinmetall for the acquisition of up to 600 Skyranger air defense systems, valued between $7 and $9 billion. The 30mm gun, mounted on Boxer 8×8 armored vehicles, uses programmable ammunition and advanced radars to neutralize drones, cruise missiles, and other low-altitude threats.
This decision marks Germany’s return to short-range air defense systems (SHORAD), abandoned after the Cold War with the retirement of the Gepard, now successfully reused by Ukraine against Russian drones.
Beyond its lower cost compared to missiles, the Skyranger 30 stands out for its versatility: it combines an automatic cannon with air-to-air effect rounds and Stinger missiles, capable of protecting moving troops or fixed infrastructure. Countries like Austria, Hungary, and Lithuania have also shown interest in the system. Meanwhile, Ukraine developed a cost-effective alternative, the Sky Sentinel, with .50-caliber machine guns and AI, demonstrating that modern warfare requires diverse solutions against affordable aerial threats.
Rheinmetall will already deliver 18 Skyranger units by 2035, but Germany plans to integrate it into a multi-layered defense network, including lasers and interceptor drones in the future. The investment reflects the urgency to mitigate risks such as Shahed attacks, which have become a cheap and effective weapon in recent conflicts.
With this, the Bundeswehr not only regains a lost capability 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 AI and reviewed 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
