The Dutch Ministry of Defence has awarded Rheinmetall Air Defence a contract to supply Skyranger air defence systems for the Dutch Armed Forces.
Worth a high triple-digit million-euro sum, the contract foresees deliveries beginning in late 2028 and continuing through the end of 2029.
The Netherlands will acquire a double-digit number of Skyranger systems in both mobile and fixed configurations, with a substantial portion of the programme’s value retained within the country.
Rheinmetall Switzerland will manufacture the first three prototype units, after which Rheinmetall Netherlands in Ede will assume a key role in producing and assembling the remaining systems.
Following delivery, the platforms will be assigned to the Defence Ground-based Air Defence Command at Lieutenant-General Best Barracks in Vredepeel, located in the southeast of the Netherlands.
The procurement strengthens the country’s layered air-defence posture in response to the growing prominence of drones in modern conflict, as demonstrated in Ukraine and the Middle East.
According to the Dutch Ministry of Defence, the Skyranger systems will complement existing short- and medium-range air-defence assets, safeguarding maneuver forces and vital infrastructure, including the Port of Rotterdam and military facilities.
The modular turret combines advanced sensors with a 30 mm Revolver cannon and a short-range missile launcher compatible with MBDA’s Mistral 3, RTX’s Stinger, and Halcon’s SkyKnight interceptors.
The cannon can fire up to 1,250 rounds per minute at targets up to around 3 km away, using programmable airburst ammunition to increase engagement effectiveness.
An integrated command system creates a localized air picture for rapid threat evaluation, allowing the Skyranger to counter drones, aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and loitering munitions.
Future variants are expected to integrate directed-energy capabilities, starting with 20 kW laser systems scalable to 100 kW, offering a cost-effective means to defeat small, fast, and low-observable threats.
