Dutch MoD places order for Skyranger air defence systems

The Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) has contracted Rheinmetall Air Defence to supply a two-digit number of Skyranger air defence systems for the Dutch armed forces, Rheinmetall announced on 12 December 2025.

The order value, Rheinmetall stated, is in the “triple-digit-million-euro” range. The first Skyranger Weapon Platforms are to be delivered at the end of 2028, with the final delivery scheduled before the end of 2029. A large part of the value added to the systems will be generated locally in the Netherlands.

The Skyranger Weapon Platform consists of a standard Skyranger 30 air defence turret and a lower mount, with the mount allowing the system to be used as a mobile asset on a customer’s armoured vehicle or operated in a static position on the ground.

In addition to the Skyranger Weapon Platforms, the Dutch MoD has ordered tactical-level control nodes and hooklift transport platforms for purely stationary deployment. The scope of delivery also includes integration into the existing Dutch air defence architecture, classroom simulators and a comprehensive integrated logistics support package.

Designed as a modular hybrid solution, the Skyranger 30 turret houses a powerful 30 mm x 173 KCE revolver cannon, the necessary sensors – including a tracking radar – and can also be equipped with additional effectors such as surface-to-air guided missiles.

“Its well-considered design, high dynamics, large elevation range and state-of-the-art sensors enable autonomous and networked operations,” Rheinmetall stated. “The system’s airburst ammunition, which has a programmable airburst point of detonation, is particularly effective against drones.”

“We are grateful for the Dutch armed forces’ confidence in our capabilities,” Oliver Dürr, managing director of Rheinmetall Air Defence, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “This latest order consolidates Rheinmetall’s position as the global market leader in the field of gun-based air defence. It also continues the success of the Skyranger 30. The configuration for the Dutch armed forces, which enables both highly mobile operations and stationary use without a carrier vehicle, is unique to date. Another NATO country has already expressed interest in this configuration.”