IAV 2026: Bundeswehr's Skyranger 30 air-defence system to become operational by end of decade

Skyranger 30 air-defence system demonstration at the Ochsenboden range in Switzerland in September 2024. (Rheinmetall)

The German Army's Skyranger 30 air-defence system is scheduled to reach initial operational capability in 2027 and full operational capability in 2029, Janes learnt at Defence iQʼs International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) 2026 conference held in Farnborough from 20 to 22 January under the Chatham House rule.

The Bundeswehr received the Skyranger 30 verification model (prototype) at the beginning of 2025 to obtain the necessary Bundeswehr approval. Serial deliveries are planned mainly for 2027 and the beginning of 2028.

Skyranger 30 systems are planned to be deployed to Lithuania to provide air defence for Panzerbrigade 45 that the Bundeswehr is forming in the Baltic state.

The Skyranger 30 turret is equipped with a 30×173 mm KCE revolver gun firing advanced hit efficiency and destruction (AHEAD) programmable airburst munition, two surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), and a sensor suite. The SAMs will initially be Stingers and later a newly developed special counter-unmanned aircraft system missile. On 5 November 2025, the German Federal Ministry of Defence announced that the Bundestag budget committee had approved the development, production, and procurement of the Small Anti Drone Missile (SADM). Skyranger's sensor suite consists of a Hensoldt Spexer X-band radar and optical sensors for target tracking: a thermal camera, day camera, and laser rangefinder.

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Bundeswehr receives Skyranger 30 prototype