Rheinmetall Moving Some Skyranger Production to Germany

The German defense corporation Rheinmetall has announced the relocation of part of the Skyranger self-propelled system production from Switzerland to Germany.

Defense Network reported on this.

Production of the anti-aircraft systems is expected to begin in Neuss, Germany.

This move is primarily intended to meet the growing demand for air-defense systems, as Switzerland has strict legal limitations.

These restrictions prohibit the export of weapons to countries involved in armed conflicts, as well as to states subject to Swiss sanctions or other limitations.

Swiss company Oerlikon currently produces Skyranger systems, and, aside from legal constraints, its production capacity is insufficient to meet existing orders.

The media notes that part of the production capacity will be transferred to the Rheinmetall Pierburg GmbH division in Neuss, a former automotive plant that has now been repurposed for the defense industry. In addition to Germany itself, additional production facilities are planned in Hungary and Italy, alongside the Swiss parent company Oerlikon.

As of today, Rheinmetall has significantly expanded its order portfolio for Skyranger air-defense systems — primarily from European countries seeking to strengthen protection against cheap and mass-produced drones. Its main customers include Germany, Austria, Denmark, the Netherlands, Hungary, Italy, and others.

The Skyranger 30 is a combat module equipped with a Swiss Oerlikon KCA 30mm cannon with a rate of fire of 1,200 rounds per minute. A launcher for two FIM-92 Stinger or Mistral missiles can be installed as an option.

The cannon’s ammunition load includes a wide range of rounds, including proximity-fused shells. The total ammunition load is 252 30mm rounds.

Additionally, to detect small aerial targets, the Skyranger 30 uses the AMMR multifunction radar operating in the S-band. The vehicle is equipped with five antennas that provide full 360-degree coverage.

Militarnyi previously reported that the German defense conglomerate Rheinmetall sees the potential to sell more than 1,000 Skyranger air-defense systems. Up to 650 may be purchased to meet the Bundeswehr’s needs.

Back in July 2025, it was announced that the Bundeswehr plans to procure 500–600 Skyranger combat vehicles to strengthen its air defense capabilities.