Netherlands Orders Skyranger Air Defense Systems, Most to Be Produced Domestically

The Dutch Ministry of Defense has signed a contract to acquire new Skyranger air defense turret systems.

The agreement, concluded in Soesterberg, is aimed at strengthening the country’s ability to counter drone threats.

Under the contract, the Netherlands will receive Skyranger 30 systems including both mobile combat platforms and fixed installations as well as simulators for training military personnel.

According to the contract, the final Skyranger systems must be delivered to the army no later than 2029, a timeline considered quite fast for a project of this scale.

Production will be carried out by Rheinmetall in Switzerland, which will build the first three prototypes. After that, Rheinmetall in the Netherlands will play a key role in producing and assembling the remaining systems.

The Skyranger is designed specifically to counter drones weighing up to 600 kg at short ranges of up to 5 km. The system can quickly and effectively destroy targets using 30 mm ammunition, complementing existing medium- and short-range defense assets.

The systems will help protect combat units, strategic facilities, and key areas, including the Port of Rotterdam and military bases.