Bundeswehr, the German unified forces, has received the initial Boxer Skyranger 30 a cannon-based air defence vehicle from Rheinmetall, intended for verification purposes.
This model will undergo a series of approval tests by the German military, with operational training for users preceding the trials set to commence in spring 2025.
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Following successful testing, mass production and delivery are expected to occur in 2027 and early 2028.
In February 2024, Rheinmetall was tasked by the Bundeswehr to produce one verification model and 18 series production vehicles of the Skyranger 30 which is built on a 8×8 Boxer vehicle chassis.
The Skyranger 30 system is engineered to address the evolving landscape of aerial threats at close ranges, offering mobility, protection, and firepower.
This hybrid turret system integrates a 30mmx173 KCE revolver cannon, surface-to-air missiles, and advanced sensors into one platform.
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By GlobalDataInitially, the German Skyranger 30 will be armed with Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, with plans to upgrade to a specialised drone defence missile in the future.
The system’s design allows for both autonomous and networked operations, featuring a wide elevation range and dynamic weapons.
Its AHEAD ammunition, which can be programmed for airburst detonation, is particularly effective against drones.
The Skyranger 30 is a part of the European Sky Shield initiative, with several Nato and EU countries expressing interest or initiating procurement.
Hungary has engaged Rheinmetall for the conceptual development of the Skyranger 30 turret for the Lynx KF41 tracked vehicle’s air defence variant.
Austria and Denmark have placed orders for the Skyranger 30 on different vehicle platforms, and the Netherlands has announced plans to acquire 22 systems, with a contract expected to be signed by the end of 2025.
The latest announcement follows a contract awarded to Hensoldt by Rheinmetall Air Defence, valued at nearly €100m ($104m), for the integration of HENSOLDT’s SPEXER radars into the Skyranger 30 anti-aircraft tanks.
