Rheinmetall Gets $1BN Skyranger 30 C-UAS Weapons Order from the Netherlands
The Netherlands Ministry of Defence is purchasing new air defence systems. The contract for these so-called Skyrangers was signed recently in Soesterberg. This purchase will give the Netherlands greater capabilities to defend itself against the threat of drones in the highest levels of violence.
The contract includes the supply of Skyranger 30 weapon platforms, Skyranger 30 static systems and training simulators.
The Skyranger is designed to quickly and effectively neutralize drones weighing up to 600 kilograms at very short ranges (up to 5 kilometers). These systems complement existing air defence systems, known as Medium and Short Range Air Defence . They not only protect combat units, but are also designed to secure key assets and areas, such as the Port of Rotterdam and military locations.
The Skyranger weapon platform consists of a standard Skyranger 30 air defence turret and a lower mount, which allows the system to be used mobile on an customer’s armoured combat support vehicle or to be 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 the integration into the existing Dutch air defence architecture, classroom simulators and a comprehensive integrated logistics support package.
The Skyranger 30 provides the ideal balance of mobility, protection, flexibility and precision, meeting the increasing demands of challenging threat scenarios at close and very close range. Designed as a modular hybrid solution, the turret houses a powerful 30 mm x 173 KCE revolver cannon, the 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, which has a programmable airburst point of detonation, is particularly effective against drones.
Rheinmetall Air Defence
Production and Assembly
The contract has been signed with Rheinmetall Switzerland, which will build the first three prototypes. Rheinmetall Netherlands in Ede will then play a major role in the production and assembly of the remaining systems.
The first Skyranger weapon platforms are to be delivered at the end of 2028, with the final delivery scheduled before the end of 2029.
Sources: Rheinmetall; Netherlands Ministry of Defence
