Rheinmetall Air Defence has secured a contract from the Dutch Ministry of Defence to deliver Skyranger air defense systems as part of the Netherlands’ efforts to modernize its ground-based air defense capabilities. The deal, worth several hundred million euros, schedules system deliveries from the end of 2028 through 2029.
The Netherlands will procure multiple Skyranger units in both mobile and stationary variants, with a strong emphasis on domestic industrial participation. While Rheinmetall Switzerland will produce the initial prototype systems, Rheinmetall Netherlands will take a leading role in assembling and delivering the majority of the platforms from its facility in Ede.
Following delivery, the systems will be operated by the Defence Ground-based Air Defence Command at Vredepeel, where they will complement existing short- and medium-range air defense assets. According to the Dutch Ministry of Defence, the Skyranger will help protect maneuver forces and critical national infrastructure, including major ports and military installations, against evolving aerial threats.
Equipped with a high-rate 30mm cannon firing programmable airburst ammunition and a missile launcher supporting multiple interceptor types, the Skyranger is designed to counter drones, aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and loitering munitions. The system’s command-and-control architecture generates a localized air picture for rapid threat assessment, with future configurations expected to integrate high-energy laser weapons to further enhance counter-drone effectiveness.
