Rheinmetall has received another major order for mobile air defence systems. The Dutch Ministry of Defence has commissioned Rheinmetall Air Defence to supply a two-digit number of Skyranger air defence systems for the Dutch armed forces. The order value is in the triple-digit million euro range. The first Skyranger weapon platforms are to be delivered at the end of 2028, with the final delivery scheduled before the end of 2029. A large part of the value added will be generated locally in the Netherlands.

The Skyranger Weapon Platform consists of a standard Skyranger 30 air defence turret and a lower mount, which allows the system to be used mobile on an customer’s armoured combat support vehicle or to be operated stationary from the ground. In addition to the Skyranger weapon platforms, the customer has ordered tactical level control nodes and hooklift transport platforms for purely stationary deployment. The scope of delivery also includes the integration into the existing Dutch air defence architecture, classroom simulators and a comprehensive integrated logistics support package.

The Skyranger 30 provides the ideal balance of mobility, protection, flexibility and precision, meeting the increasing demands of challenging threat scenarios at close and very close range. Designed as a modular hybrid solution, the turret houses a powerful 30 mm x 173 KCE revolver cannon, the necessary sensors including a tracking radar and can also be equipped with additional effectors such as surface-to-air guided missiles in the future. Its well-considered design, high dynamics, large elevation range and state-of-the-art sensors enable autonomous and networked operations. The system’s airburst ammunition, which has a programmable airburst point of detonation, is particularly effective against drones.

‘We are grateful for the Dutch armed forces’ confidence in our capabilities,’ said Oliver Dürr, Managing Director of Rheinmetall Air Defence. ‘This latest order consolidates Rheinmetall’s position as the global market leader in the field of gun-based air defence. 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.’

Rheinmetall UK have been awarded a contract by the NATO Support & Procurement Agency (NSPA) to provide Trailblazer Driver Vision and Local Situation Awareness System to the UK Ministry of Defence’s M270 A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) platform upgrade. The initial contract will see prototypes delivered in early 2026, with the main production starting later that year. The total contract value is in the mid-single-digit million euro range. The M270 A2 MLRS will be the 17th military platform to use the Trailblazer, which was developed and manufactured in the UK. There are currently seven user countries.  

The upgrade programme for the M270 A2 MLRS tasks Rheinmetall UK to design and deliver enhanced Vehicle Vision capability against specific platform requirements. 

As a mature, software-defined and SIL(safety integrity level) 2-certified system, Trailblazer is already installed in the Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicle, the Challenger 3 main battle tank and the Warrior infantry fighting vehicle. This offers advantages through the standardisation of the entire British combat vehicle fleet. 

This programme will see the UK’s M270 A2 MLRS issued with the most modern and capable vehicle vision technology designed to aid vehicle manoeuvre in complex environments 24/7 for both driver and commander.  The programme responsibility includes driver vision sensors, remote side and rear vision sensors, delivery of installation kits including hardened cabling, switches and protective covers. 

Trailblazer improves crew effectiveness by extending the vehicle field of view beyond the daylight spectrum. With enhanced day light, thermal and fusion vision, Trailblazer offers significant crew advantage in adverse weather, obscured and low-light conditions. Featuring very low-latency, the systems aid terrain navigation, obstacle avoidance, safe route selection and enhanced threat detection.  Compliance with SIL-2, (N)GVA and DEF STAN 00-82 video distribution means Trailblazer is safe to operate and easy to integrate.