Overview

• Industry sources say Rheinmetall is expecting a near-term contract with the Bundeswehr worth €6–8 billion for the Skyranger self-propelled air-defence system.
• Analysis from Hartpunkt estimates Germany needs about 500–600 Skyranger vehicles to provide effective short-range coverage.
• The planned acquisition would build on an existing low double-digit order placed in February for delivery by 2025.
• The Bundeskriminalamt logged 270 drone-related spying incidents in the first quarter, reinforcing pressure to fill a 15-year gap since the Gepard’s retirement.
• Skyranger’s programmable airburst ammunition offers a cost-effective alternative to missiles and complements other options like AI-driven turrets, lasers and microwave systems in a layered defence.