Rheinmetall to Deliver Skyranger 30 Platforms for Mobile and Stationary Air Defence to the Netherlands

Rheinmetall to Deliver Skyranger 30 Platforms for Mobile and Stationary Air Defence to the Netherlands

(IN BRIEF) Rheinmetall has been awarded a major contract by the Dutch Ministry of Defence to supply a two-digit number of Skyranger 30 air defence systems, with an order value in the triple-digit million euro range. Deliveries are set to begin before the end of 2028, with project completion planned for 2029, and a significant portion of the work will be carried out in the Netherlands. The Skyranger 30 systems will support both mobile and stationary operations, combining advanced sensors, a 30 mm cannon and highly effective airburst ammunition for counter-drone and close-range air defence. The order further strengthens Rheinmetall’s position as a global leader in cannon-based air defence and highlights growing interest from NATO partners in flexible, modular air defence solutions.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF, 12-Dec-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Rheinmetall has secured another significant contract in the field of ground-based air defence, with the Dutch Ministry of Defence awarding Rheinmetall Air Defence an order for a two-digit number of Skyranger 30 air defence systems. The contract, valued in the triple-digit million euro range, further reinforces Rheinmetall’s position as a leading supplier of cannon-based air defence solutions for modern armed forces.

Under the agreement, initial deliveries of the Skyranger systems are scheduled to begin before the end of 2028, with final delivery and full project completion planned by the end of 2029. A substantial share of the production and value creation associated with the programme will take place within the Netherlands, supporting local industry and national defence capabilities.

The Skyranger weapon platform supplied to the Dutch armed forces combines a standard Skyranger 30 air defence turret with a specially designed lower mount. This configuration allows the system to be deployed flexibly, either mounted on an armoured combat support vehicle for mobile operations or operated independently in a stationary ground-based role. In addition to the weapon platforms themselves, the order includes tactical-level command and control nodes as well as hooklift transport platforms to support stationary deployment scenarios.

Rheinmetall’s scope of supply also covers integration of the Skyranger systems into the Netherlands’ existing air defence architecture, classroom-based training simulators, and a comprehensive integrated logistics support package. Together, these elements are intended to ensure seamless operational readiness and long-term sustainment.

Designed to address increasingly complex threat environments, the Skyranger 30 delivers a balanced combination of mobility, protection, adaptability and accuracy for engagements at short and very short ranges. The modular, hybrid turret design incorporates a high-performance 30 mm x 173 KCE revolver cannon, advanced sensor systems including tracking radar, and provisions for future integration of additional effectors such as surface-to-air guided missiles. Its programmable airburst ammunition is particularly effective against drones, enhancing force protection against emerging aerial threats.

Rheinmetall Air Defence leadership noted that the Dutch configuration of the Skyranger 30 is unique to date, as it enables both highly mobile operations and stationary use without the need for a carrier vehicle. According to the company, this approach has already attracted interest from another NATO member state, underlining the system’s relevance for allied defence requirements.

Media Contacts:

Oliver Hoffmann
Head of Public Relations
Rheinmetall AG
Tel.: +49-(0)211 473 4748

SOURCE: RHEINMETALL AG