Rheinmetall has received another major order for mobile air defence systems. The Dutch Ministry of Defence has commissioned Rheinmetall Air Defence to supply a two-digit number of Skyranger air defence systems for the Dutch armed forces. The order value is in the high triple-digit million euro range. The first Skyranger weapon platforms are to be delivered at the end of 2028, with final delivery scheduled before the end of 2029. A large part of the value added will be generated locally in the Netherlands.
System Configuration
The Skyranger weapon platform consists of a standard Skyranger 30 air defence turret and a lower mount, allowing the system to be used either mobile on a customer’s armoured combat support vehicle or operated stationary from the ground. In addition to the Skyranger weapon platforms, the customer has ordered tactical level control nodes and hooklift transport platforms for purely stationary deployment. The scope of delivery also includes integration into the existing Dutch air defence architecture, classroom simulators, and a comprehensive integrated logistics support package.
Skyranger 30 Capabilities
The Skyranger 30 provides an ideal balance of mobility, protection, flexibility, and precision, meeting increasing demands of challenging threat scenarios at close and very close range. Designed as a modular hybrid solution, the turret houses a powerful 30mm x 173 KCE revolver cannon, necessary sensors including a tracking radar, and can also be equipped with additional effectors such as surface-to-air guided missiles in the future. Its well-considered design, high dynamics, large elevation range, and state-of-the-art sensors enable autonomous and networked operations. The system’s airburst ammunition, featuring a programmable airburst point of detonation, is particularly effective against drones.
Executive Perspective
“We are grateful for the Dutch armed forces’ confidence in our capabilities,” said Oliver Dürr, Managing Director of Rheinmetall Air Defence. “This latest order consolidates Rheinmetall’s position as the global market leader in the field of gun-based air defence. It also continues the success of the Skyranger 30. The configuration for the Dutch armed forces, which enables both highly mobile operations and stationary use without a carrier vehicle, is unique to date. Another NATO country has already expressed interest in this configuration.”
