First Skyranger 35 Air-Defense System on Leopard 1 Chassis Is Already En Route to Ukraine

Next week, Ukraine will receive the first Skyranger 35 self-propelled anti-aircraft system mounted on a Leopard 1 chassis.

Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger announced this during the Rheinmetall CMD 2025 presentation, according to German Aid to Ukraine.

The systems are being produced and integrated by Rheinmetall Italia SpA in Italy.

Back on September 9, it was reported that Rheinmetall would supply these systems to Ukraine under a contract worth several hundred million euros. The deal is financed by an unnamed EU country using windfall profits from frozen Russian assets.

The exact number and specific configuration of the Skyranger systems destined for Ukraine have not yet been disclosed.

Each of these systems can cover an area of 4×4 kilometers, creating a complete “drone-free” zone.

The Skyranger 35 is equipped with a combat module featuring a 35 mm GDM-008 automatic cannon with a rate of fire of 1,000 rounds per minute.

The ammunition load includes a wide range of rounds, including proximity-fused shells. The vehicle’s total ammunition load is 252 rounds.

To detect small aerial targets, the system uses the AMMR multifunction radar operating in the S-band. The vehicle is equipped with five antennas that provide 360-degree coverage.

Additionally, the system is equipped with the Rheinmetall FIRST passive detection system, which effectively identifies small targets.

One of Skyranger’s primary roles in modern conditions will be countering reconnaissance and strike drones, for which programmable 35 mm rounds are ideally suited.

According to the developer, the system’s stated engagement range against aerial targets is 4,000 meters, and it can also operate effectively against ground targets.