September 9, 2025, 02:09
The German defense contractor Rheinmetall has announced plans to supply Ukraine with mobile drone countermeasures, specifically the Skyranger system, which can be mounted on Leopard tanks. A contract worth hundreds of millions of euros is set to be signed on Wednesday at the DSEI defense exhibition in London, reports 24brussels.
Rheinmetall’s CEO, Armin Papperger, confirmed this in an interview with ZDF. According to Papperger, the first systems will be delivered to Ukraine later this year, with each unit capable of protecting an area of four square kilometers from hostile drones.
This announcement comes just days after Russia conducted its largest air strike against Ukraine since the war began. Papperger asserted that the new systems could significantly enhance Ukraine’s air defense capabilities under current conditions.
Furthermore, Rheinmetall has confirmed interest from the German army in similar systems.
When asked if the company benefits from the prolonged conflict, Papperger stressed his desire for a swift resolution. “People in Ukraine are suffering horribly. We all want peace. But to maintain it, defense means are essential,” he stated.
Features of Skyranger on Leopard Tanks
Rheinmetall has integrated the Skyranger air defense system, featuring a 35mm gun, onto the heavy Leopard tank chassis instead of the original Boxer wheeled platform.
This adaptation opens new possibilities for the artillery system, enabling it to traverse challenging terrain alongside other heavy tracked vehicles, thereby transforming it into a fully operational land air defense system.
According to Rheinmetall representative Björn Bernhard, the company has numerous Leopard 1 tanks available that can be equipped with the Skyranger turrets.
The relocation of the 4.5-ton module onto the tank chassis also allows for the installation of additional equipment for target detection and tracking, as well as increasing the number of ready-to-launch missiles in the launch system.
Previously, it was reported that Rheinmetall plans to produce hybrids of Leopard tanks and Skyranger air defense systems at a plant in Ukraine.
