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German defense manufacturer Rheinmetall is expecting to secure a Bundeswehr order later this year for more than 500 additional units of Skyranger air defense gun systems valued at between €6 to €8 billion ($7–9 billion).

Speaking in a conference call with analysts, company CEO Armin Papperger reported the major upcoming deal; however, he declined to reveal the exact number of systems involved, citing security agreements with the Ministry of Defense.

Deliveries for additional Skyranger systems are scheduled to be completed by 2035, with procurement divided into two phases: the first running until 2029, and the second from 2029 to 2035. “These are the two periods the government is planning with,” Papperger said.

Expansion of air defense capabilities

Reputable German defense publications reported that the Bundeswehr plans a major expansion of its ground-based air defense, with sources suggesting that demand for the lowest-tier interception layer could reach 500 to 600 Skyranger gun systems across all service branches. Industry pricing estimates for such quantities align with Rheinmetall’s projected contract value.

With the procurement of Skyranger, Berlin seeks to enhance its short-range and very short-range air defense capabilities, particularly against drones, in response to evolving security threats. This initiative also underscores Germany’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of military modernization.

The announcement comes at a critical time as European nations increasingly focus on upgrading their military infrastructure. Besides Germany, several other European nations are also acquiring the Skyranger air defense system, including Austria, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Hungary.

Skyranger Mobile Air Defense System

The Skyranger 30 is a state-of-the-art mobile air defense system designed to counter a variety of low-altitude threats. The highly advanced mobile air defense system, is known for its versatility and precision. The system consists of a radar system, operations center, and integrated communication systems to provide a comprehensive defense solution.

Equipped with a 30mm Oerlikon KCE revolver cannon, it boasts a firing rate of approximately 1,200 rounds per minute. This rapid-fire capability, combined with programmable airburst munitions, ensures a high probability of neutralizing even the smallest aerial targets within an effective range of up to 3 kilometers.

For extended reach, the system can be integrated with short-range air defense missiles, enhancing its engagement envelope to targets up to 6 kilometers away. The turret’s advanced sensor suite includes a 360-degree active radar and an infrared thermal-imaging camera, facilitating both active and passive target tracking.

Previous contracts and development milestones

In February 2024, the Bundeswehr awarded Rheinmetall a $690 million contract to develop and deliver a demonstrator and 18 production Skyranger 30 systems mounted on Boxer armored vehicles. The prototype was delivered in January 2025, and series production vehicles are scheduled to enter service in 2027 and 2028.

The Skyranger 30 is designed to operate either independently or as part of a networked defense system. Its primary role is to close gaps in Germany’s short-range mobile air defense and to provide effective countermeasures against drones.

According to the Rheinmetall, the state-of-the-art sensors, large elevation span, and high mobility enable autonomous and networked operations as well as make it “especially effective against drones”.

Weapons and capabilities

The system’s main weapon is a 30×173 mm KCE revolver cannon, capable of engaging targets at ranges of up to 3,000 meters. It uses programmable AHEAD airburst ammunition, with rounds programmed at the muzzle based on measured velocity. This approach compensates for variations in propellant charges, improving accuracy against small, fast-moving aerial targets. Rheinmetall reports the weapon has demonstrated high firepower and precision in tests under challenging weather conditions.

In addition to the cannon, the Bundeswehr variant will integrate MBDA’s DefendAir missile, previously known as the Small Anti-Drone Missile (SADM). Designed as a cost-effective drone defense solution, each Skyranger will carry between nine and twelve DefendAir missiles, with a range of up to five kilometers. The missile’s development is set to finish between 2025 and 2028, with qualification by 2029 and procurement beginning in 2030.

Advanced detection systems

Target detection is handled by Hensoldt’s SPEXER 2000M 3D MkIII radar. Each radar panel covers 120 degrees, and with three panels, the system achieves full 360-degree coverage. The radar can track more than 300 targets simultaneously, ranging from micro-drones to combat aircraft and missiles, at distances of up to 40 kilometers. It is also capable of operating while on the move.

An electro-optical suite from Chess Dynamics supplements the radar, enhancing target identification and tracking accuracy. With its hybrid cannon-missile architecture and integrated sensor systems, the Skyranger 30 is designed to provide mobile, layered defense against a variety of aerial threats.

The anticipated multi-billion-euro order would significantly enhance Germany’s air defense posture, aligning with NATO’s emphasis on resilient, multi-tiered protection for ground forces and critical infrastructure.