Boxer Skyranger 30: A New Era in Air Defense Systems
Rheinmetall has officially delivered the first Boxer Skyranger 30, a cannon-based air defense vehicle, to the Bundeswehr. This inaugural system serves as a verification model, which will undergo extensive training and testing in the upcoming months. The delivery is part of a larger order placed by Germany last year, which includes 18 additional Skyranger vehicles that are scheduled for serial production between 2027 and 2028.
The Boxer Skyranger 30 represents a significant advancement in air defense technology. With the capability to neutralize threats at both close and very close ranges, it can operate autonomously or as part of a networked defense strategy. The vehicle features a turret mounted on an 8×8 Boxer tactical platform, equipped with a 30mm x 173 KCE revolver cannon alongside ground-to-air guided missiles. Additionally, it utilizes AHEAD ammunition, designed for programmable airburst detonation, making it particularly effective against drone threats.
Growing Interest from NATO and EU Nations
In recent years, several NATO and EU member states have shown increased interest in acquiring the Skyranger 30 system. The most notable development occurred last month when the Netherlands confirmed plans to procure 22 units with a budget allocation of 1.3 billion euros (approximately $1.35 billion). These vehicles will be outfitted with surface-to-air missiles and a rapid-fire 30mm cannon capable of firing up to 1,250 rounds per minute, enhancing their ability to combat drones, aircraft, and helicopters.
Furthermore, Hungary has recently signed a contract worth 30 million euros (about $32.9 million) with Rheinmetall to develop the Skyranger 30 turret for a future air defense variant of the Lynx KF41 tracked vehicle. This move highlights the growing trend among European nations to bolster their defense capabilities. Austria and Denmark have also placed orders for the Skyranger system to be integrated into various platforms, underscoring its rising significance within NATO’s collective defense framework.
