ILA Berlin Air Show  Air Dimension: Rheinmetall Presents Pioneering Skyranger Air Defence System

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Rheinmetall is presenting itself at this year's ILA Berlin Air Show (June 10 – 14) as a systems partner for national and international armed forces. Under the leitmotif of taking responsibility in the air dimension, the mobile air defence system Skyranger is at the heart of the trade fair appearance at the Berlin ExpoCenter Airport.

Ground-based air defence (GBAD) has gained significant importance in Europe, particularly against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine. Numerous EU and NATO members, including Germany, have opted for Rheinmetall’s mobile air defence solution, the Skyranger 30. The system offers an optimal combination of mobility, protection, flexibility, and precision to meet the growing demands of challenging threat scenarios in the short and very short range. At ILA 2026, Rheinmetall is showcasing the Skyranger 30 turret on the Boxer 8x8 armoured wheeled vehicle, integrated with MBDA’s DefendAir guided missile. With this effector mix, the Skyranger 30 is perfectly equipped to decisively counter current and future threats.

The system addresses the urgent global demand for resilient and mobile short-range air defence. Given modern threat scenarios – particularly the mass deployment of drones and loitering munitions – the Skyranger closes a critical capability gap for Western armed forces.

Technological precision and modular flexibility

The Skyranger combines state-of-the-art sensors with immense firepower. At its heart is the 30mm x 173 KCE revolver cannon, which has an effective range of up to 3,000 metres. By using programmable airburst ammunition (Ahead), the system achieves an extremely high hit probability against micro-drones.

For longer ranges, the turret is modular and can flexibly accommodate short-range air defence missiles (SHORAD). An integrated search radar and electro-optical sensors allow for seamless 360-degree reconnaissance and target tracking, enabling the system to operate fully autonomously or within a network.

The standard for European air defence

The Skyranger is increasingly establishing itself as a European standard and is a central component of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI). The system's international user family is continuously growing:

Germany: The Bundeswehr has commissioned Rheinmetall to deliver 19 Skyranger 30 anti-aircraft tanks on the Boxer platform. An initial proof-of-concept model has already been handed over on schedule.

Austria: As the first customer in Europe, Austria is taking a pioneering role. As part of a major order worth a mid-three-digit million euro amount, the Austrian Armed Forces (Bundesheer) have ordered a total of 36 Skyranger 30 systems, which will be integrated onto the national GDELS Pandur EVO wheeled armoured vehicle platform.

Netherlands: In December 2025, a major order in the triple-digit million euro range followed for the delivery of Skyranger systems for mobile and dismounted use by the Dutch armed forces.

Romania: In the course of a historic, comprehensive armament package worth a total of 5.7 billion euros, Romania has ordered the Skyranger 35 variant based on the state-of-the-art Lynx combat vehicle family to sustainably modernise its ground-based air defence.

Denmark and other partners: Denmark also plans to procure the Skyranger 30 solution. Furthermore, the system is intended for the Ukrainian armed forces to strengthen their air defence in the short term.

Due to its flexible architecture, the turret can be integrated onto various platforms. In addition to the Boxer wheeled tank, Rheinmetall is showcasing the system internationally on tracked vehicles like the Lynx KF41 or on truck chassis, underlining its logistical adaptability to diverse customer requirements.

Capacity expansion for global demand

Rheinmetall is responding to the immense market potential with a consistent ramp-up of production. Annual manufacturing capacity is being gradually increased from the current 70 to 100 turrets to up to 400 units per year to secure the forthcoming series production ramp-up.