Overview
- Handelsblatt, corroborated by ARD, reports a German order of more than 600 Skyranger systems this year valued at over €9 billion, while the Defence Ministry says only that negotiations are underway.
- The Bundeswehr has 19 systems already on order and a prototype in testing through year-end, with officials indicating a further need in the three‑digit range if trials succeed.
- Rheinmetall confirmed additional Skyranger 35 units for Ukraine on Leopard 1 chassis in an order worth hundreds of millions of euros financed by an EU state using proceeds from frozen Russian assets.
- The company says it is preparing a significant production ramp, targeting roughly 200 Skyranger units per year, with production and integration for Ukraine handled by Rheinmetall Italia in Rome.
- Reported timelines indicate two additional test vehicles for Germany in 2026 and series deliveries beginning in 2027 through mid‑2028, as the gun-based system—optimized for counter‑drone defense with airburst munitions and up to 4 km effective range—is fielded on Boxer for Germany and Leopard 1 for Ukraine.