Rheinmetall Presents Compact Countermeasure Against FPV Drones

Rheinmetall presented the Skyranger 762, a compact U-SHORAD on the ISV-Cargo chassis.

At AUSA 2025, Rheinmetall presented a mobile short-range air defense system that combines high fire density with a modern sensor platform, Army Recognition reported.

The main purpose of the development is to protect convoys, cover base points, and maneuver force nodes, as well as intercept drone swarms and provide close fire support for light targets.

Characteristics of the Skyranger 762:

• two Dillon Aero M134D miniguns (7.62×51 mm);
• 3,000 rounds of ammunition per unit;
• total ammunition capacity ≈ 6,000 rounds;
• rate of fire – up to 6,000 rounds per minute
• effective range – up to 1,200 meters.

The system is capable of detecting, tracking, and automatically engaging targets even while they are in motion.

It is able to do this because it is equipped with Echodyne EchoShield 4D radar (range ≈ 30 km) and a multispectral EO package (40× optics, IR camera, laser rangefinder up to 5.2 km).

The system is controlled via Skymaster C2, which provides remote control and integration into the Skyranger/Skynex/Skyspotter networks.

The ISV-Cargo platform is lightweight and compatible with the CH-47, UH-60, C-17, C-130, and A400M, providing Skyranger 762 with high tactical mobility and easy logistics support.

The Skyranger 762 is a useful short-range defense tool, but it has a significant appetite for ammunition and relies heavily on power and networked targeting.

As a reminder, Rheinmetall has expanded its production facility for the assembly, testing, and production of warheads for HERO loitering munitions.