The Dutch Ministry of Defence has contracted Rheinmetall Air Defence to deliver Skyranger air defense systems to the Dutch Armed Forces.
The agreement, valued in the high triple – digit million – euro range, schedules deliveries from the end of 2028 through the end of 2029.
Under the deal, the Netherlands will procure a two-digit number of Skyranger systems in both mobile and stationary configurations, with a significant share of the program’s value generated domestically.
Rheinmetall Switzerland will build the first three prototypes, after which Rheinmetall Netherlands in Ede will play a major role in the production and assembly of the remaining systems.
‘This latest order consolidates Rheinmetall’s position as the global market leader in the field of gun-based air defense,” Managing Director of Rheinmetall Air Defence Oliver Dürr said.
“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.”
Enhances Netherlands’ Layered Air Defense
The Netherlands’ State Secretary of Defence, Gijs Tuinman, previously indicated that the country intends to procure 22 Skyranger systems.
Once delivered, the platforms will be assigned to the Defence Ground – based Air Defence Command at Lieutenant-General Best Barracks in Vredepeel, in the southeast of the country.
The acquisition enhances the Netherlands’ layered air defense amid the accelerating use of drones in modern warfare, a trend seen in the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
The systems will complement existing medium- and short-range air defense capabilities, protecting both combat units and critical infrastructure such as the Port of Rotterdam and military installations, according to the Dutch Ministry of Defence.
“This purchase will give the Netherlands greater capabilities to defend itself against the threat of drones in the highest levels of violence,” the ministry added.
Skyranger
The Skyranger’s modular turret integrates an advanced sensor suite alongside a 30mm Revolver cannon and a short-range missile launcher compatible with MBDA’s Mistral 3, RTX’s Stinger, and Halcon’s SkyKnight interceptors.
The cannon fires 1,250 rounds per minute out to roughly 3 kilometers (1.86 miles), using programmable airburst rounds that detonate at a preset point to improve hit probability.
A command system generates a localized air picture for fast threat assessment, enabling the Skyranger to engage drones, aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and loitering munitions.
Future configurations are planned to incorporate directed-energy weapons, beginning with laser systems rated at 20 kilowatts and scalable up to 100 kilowatts, enhancing their ability to defeat small, fast, and low-signature targets at minimal per-shot cost.
- The Defense Post