Developed by Rheinmetall, the Skyranger 30 is a modular short-range air defense system designed to counter modern aerial threats such as drones, cruise missiles, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft.
Its core component is the Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3, paired with advanced radar and electro-optical sensors that provide precise target tracking and engagement.
Design and Mobility
Skyranger 30 stands out with its modular turret that can be mounted on both wheeled (8×8) and tracked armored vehicles. This makes it ideal for protecting mobile units and adapting quickly to battlefield conditions.
It is compatible with multiple vehicle platforms, including Boxer, Lynx KF41, and Piranha IV, providing logistical flexibility across NATO forces.
Weapon and Sensor Systems
Its primary weapon, the 30 mm Revolver Gun, fires up to 1,200 rounds per minute and supports Air Burst Munition (ABM) rounds for precise and efficient interception.
In 2025, Germany approved integration with MBDA’s DefendAir small anti-drone missile, enhancing its layered defense capability and expanding its operational range.
Radar and Target Tracking
Equipped with an AESA radar, Skyranger 30 provides 360-degree coverage and can detect small aerial targets at ranges of up to 5 kilometers.
The combination of radar, electro-optical sensors, and infrared tracking allows the system to operate effectively in night and adverse weather conditions.
Operational Use and Integration
Germany plans to incorporate Skyranger 30 into the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) network. It has been optimized to counter the growing drone and loitering munition threats observed in recent conflicts such as in Ukraine.
The system can operate autonomously or as part of a multi-layered defense architecture alongside systems like IRIS-T SLM or Patriot.
Future Upgrades
Rheinmetall is developing future variants equipped with directed-energy laser weapons and AI-based automatic target recognition.
These improvements aim to make Skyranger 30 a fully autonomous counter-air defense vehicle, capable of neutralizing multiple aerial threats in real time.
The Skyranger 30 represents a major step forward in Germany’s and NATO’s mobile air defense capabilities. Its combination of mobility, firepower, and intelligent sensors makes it one of the most advanced systems for drone and missile defense in modern warfare.
