The Dutch armed forces procure as expected new Skyranger air defense systems from Rheinmetall manufacturer Rheinmetall. The Netherlands is thus expanding its ability to defend itself effectively against the growing threat from drones, even in the highest escalation spectrum.
The contract covers the delivery of mobile Skyranger 30 weapon platforms, stationary Skyranger 30 systems and simulators for education and training.
The Skyranger was specially developed to quickly and effectively combat drones weighing up to 600 kilograms at very short range – up to five kilometers. The systems complement the existing medium and short-range air defense systems in the Netherlands. They are used not only to protect combat troops, but also to secure critical infrastructure and sensitive objects, including the port of Rotterdam and military facilities.
“We are grateful for the Dutch armed forces’ confidence in our capabilities,” says Oliver Dürr, CEO of Rheinmetall Air Defence. “This latest order reinforces Rheinmetall’s position as the global market leader in the field of cannon-based air defense. It also continues the success of the Skyranger 30. The configuration for the Dutch armed forces, which enables both highly mobile operations and stationary deployment without a carrier vehicle, is unique to date. Another NATO-country has already expressed interest in this configuration.”
Fourth Skyranger customer
The Skyranger system is now attracting a great deal of attention. Rheinmetall has now received orders for more than 90 Skyranger systems within a very short space of time.
The Austria made the start in February 2024. The Austrian Armed Forces has placed a firm order for 36 systems and subscribed to nine options. The basis for the order is the system built in Vienna-Simmering at
One week later, the German Armed Forces a first batch of 19 systems. The basis there is the 8×8 GTK Boxer wheeled armored vehicle. The contract includes an option for a further 30 systems.
Denmark followed in September 2024Copenhagen ordered 16 vehicles based on the 8×8 wheeled Mowag Piranha V. Deliveries are scheduled for 2026/2027. In addition, Rheinmetall in
Production and assembly
The Dutch contract was concluded with Rheinmetall Switzerland. Three prototypes will initially be manufactured there. Subsequently, Rheinmetall Netherlands will assume a central role in the production and final assembly of the remaining systems at the Ede site.
The first systems are due to be delivered at the end of 2028, with delivery of the last Skyranger systems to the Dutch land forces to be completed by 2029 at the latest – an ambitious schedule for an armaments project of this magnitude.
Here for further Rheinmetall news, here to our main topic drones and here to further news about the Dutch armed forces.
