Development of German Short-Range Air Defense System Delayed by 12 Months

The development of Germany’s new short-range and very short-range air defense system (LVS NNbS), based on the Boxer armored vehicle, has been delayed.

While the timeline for the Skyranger component has been shortened from 18 to 5 months, other elements of the system are facing additional setbacks, according to the Defense Network.

The complete LVS NNbS system is expected to include three components:

• the Skyranger Boxer anti-aircraft gun and missile system,
• the IRIS-T SLS missile system mounted on a Boxer chassis,
• and a Boxer-based command and control unit.

The main cause of the delay lies in production challenges with the Boxer chassis. Four different versions of the chassis are currently in use. The Bundeswehr operates the A2 version, the British Armed Forces use the A3, and a new configuration — designated B0 — is under development for Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Lithuania.

There is also the C0 version, used by Australia and slated to serve as the Bundeswehr’s main infantry fighting vehicle.

This lack of standardization stems from both national customizations by participating countries and the need to increase the payload capacity of the platform.

Initially, the Skyranger module was to be mounted on the C0 chassis. The plan now calls for integration on the B0 to unify the platform across users.

However, B0 development is still underway. Although Germany’s Federal Office for Military Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) assesses the technical risks as low, completing the work will take time.

The delay is not solely due to the platform switch. Integration of a new missile — MBDA Germany’s small anti-drone interceptor — into the Skyranger system is also contributing to the holdup.

Rheinmetall is expected to ramp up B0 production to compensate for initial delays, potentially enabling deliveries to proceed faster than initially scheduled. As of now, the projected delay in Skyranger deliveries has been reduced to five months, down from the previously estimated 18-month lag reported in November 2024.

Beyond the Skyranger, the LVS NNbS project includes two additional components based on the Boxer B0 platform: the FlaRakPz short-range missile system, built around the IRIS-T SLS missile, and a command post to coordinate air defense operations.

Development of these two elements is lagging by roughly 12 months. Furthermore, unlike the Skyranger, they are still under development contracts rather than procurement agreements.

The German government placed its first order for 19 Skyranger systems in early 2024, valued at €650 million. Deliveries are scheduled through 2028. The contract also includes eight reload vehicles, eight maintenance workshops, and onboard training simulators for each air defense unit. The framework agreement allows for the procurement of up to 49 Skyranger systems in total.