Counter-drone defence for the Netherlands: armed forces order Rheinmetall Skyranger 30

New air defence systems for counter-drone defence: the Netherlands armed forces are buying, as expected, the Skyranger from manufacturer Rheinmetall. The Netherlands aims to defend itself effectively against the growing drone threat even at the highest end of the escalation spectrum.

The contract covers mobile Skyranger 30 weapon platforms, stationary Skyranger 30 systems and simulators for instruction and training.

The Skyranger was developed specifically to engage, above all, drones of up to 600 kilograms quickly and effectively at very short ranges of up to five kilometres. In the Netherlands, the systems complement existing medium- and short-range air defence. They are to protect combat troops as well as critical infrastructure and sensitive sites such as the Port of Rotterdam and military installations.

Oliver Dürr, Managing Director of Rheinmetall Air Defence, said: “We are grateful for the trust the Netherlands armed forces have placed in our capabilities”. He continued: “This latest order consolidates Rheinmetall’s position as world market leader in gun-based air defence. It also continues the success of the Skyranger 30. The configuration for the Netherlands armed forces, which enables both highly mobile operations and stationary use without a carrier vehicle, is unique so far. Another NATO country has already expressed interest in this configuration.”

More than 90 Skyrangers ordered in a short time

The Skyranger now attracts considerable attention: Rheinmetall received orders for over 90 systems within a very short time.

Austria led the way in February 2024: the Austrian Armed Forces (Bundesheer) placed a firm order for 36 systems and signed nine options. The base vehicle is the Pandur Evolution, built by General Dynamics European Land Systems-Steyr in Vienna-Simmering. Deliveries begin in 2026.

A week later, the German Bundeswehr followed suit and signed for a first lot of 19 systems, based on the 8×8 GTK Boxer wheeled armoured vehicle. A further 30 systems may follow as an option.

In September 2024, Denmark joined: Copenhagen ordered 16 vehicles based on the 8×8 Mowag Piranha V wheeled armoured vehicle, with delivery planned for 2026/2027. Rheinmetall also received an order in Hungary to adapt the Skyranger 30 turret to the Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicle. Hungary plans to buy 18 vehicles.

Counter-drone defence from Ede: prototypes built in Switzerland

The Netherlands’ contractual partner is Rheinmetall Switzerland, where three prototypes will be built first. After that, Rheinmetall Netherlands at its Ede site takes on a central role: the remaining systems will be produced and finally assembled there.

The first systems are to be delivered at the end of 2028; the Royal Netherlands Army is to have received the last Skyrangers by 2029 at the latest. For a defence project of this size, that is an ambitious schedule.