Rheinmetall has received another contract from the German government to supply counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) capabilities to Ukraine, the company announced on 5 October 2023.
The contract, which Rheinmetall says is “worth a figure in the low-double-digit-million-euro range”, covers the supply of SurveilSPIRE automated reconnaissance systems made by Estonia’s DefSecIntel. Deliveries of the systems have already begun.
SurveilSpire is a C-UAS system made by Estonia’s DefSecIntel that is designed to reconnoitre and engage hostile uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system includes mobile surveillance towers with day- and night-vision camera equipment, autopiloted mini-UAVs that conduct patrols and mission-specific flights, and a command-and-control system. The mini-UAVs enable inspection of detected threats and let the operator initiate necessary countermeasures.
Transport vehicles for the system are also included within the scope of delivery.
The systems are used in particular to monitor sections of terrain with as few personnel as possible and can also provide a 5G network.
The SurveilSPIRE surveillance towers can be loaded onto trailers and quickly transported to their area of operation. Assembly requires three personnel, while operation is fully automated. The system includes wireless links (4G and Starlink) for video transmission to a mobile command post and solar panels enable sustained operation without power cables or a fuel source.
Rheinmetall first announced it was working with DefSecIntel to provide SurveilSPIRE systems to Ukraine at Berlin’s behest on 28 February 2023.
The company is already taking part in several projects in support of Ukraine. These include deliveries of Marder infantry fighting vehicles, ammunition of various calibres, field hospitals, military trucks and, soon, 13 LUNA Next Generation reconnaissance UASs.
Rheinmetall is also a partner in multiple multilateral ‘Ringtausch’ transactions. This procedure, developed by the German government and designed to support the Ukrainian war effort in co-operation with Germany’s European neighbours and NATO partners, involves NATO member nations transferring Soviet-era equipment to Ukraine in exchange for surplus Western-made systems.
