Ukraine to receive Skyranger 35 on Leopard 1 chassis to strengthen defense against drones (X @deaidua)
Ukraine is set to receive the first Skyranger 35 air defense system mounted on a Leopard 1 chassis next week, boosting its defense capabilities against drones and small aircraft.
Produced and integrated by Rheinmetall Italia, the equipment is part of a contract funded by an unidentified European Union country, which uses profits from frozen Russian assets.
The Skyranger 35 stands out for its ability to create a 4 × 4 km zone free of drones, thanks to the 35 mm GDM-008 automatic cannon, capable of firing up to 1,000 rounds per minute. The system is equipped with a 360-degree coverage AMMR multifunction radar and the passive FIRST sensor, which increase accuracy in detecting smaller targets. The ammunition includes programmable rounds and proximity fuse projectiles, totaling 252 shots on board.
The platform was designed to specifically combat reconnaissance and attack drones, becoming a strategic asset on the modern battlefield. With an effective range of 4,000 meters against aerial targets and the ability to engage ground threats as well, the Skyranger 35 offers Ukraine a significant boost in short-range air defense.
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @deaidua | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
As part of Rheinmetall’s CMD 2025 presentation, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger has just announced that the first Skyranger 35 SPAAG mounted on the Leopard 1 chassis will be delivered to #Ukraine as early as next week.
As known since the 9th of September, Rheinmetall will… pic.twitter.com/hXFRBT5WkQ
— German Aid to Ukraine (@deaidua) November 18, 2025
