The Armed Forces of Ukraine will receive new Skyranger 35 anti-aircraft systems mounted on Leopard tank chassis

Rheinmetall announced the delivery of new Skyranger 35 anti-aircraft systems to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which will be mounted on Leopard 1 tank chassis. The contract, valued in the three-digit million-euro range, will be financed by a European Union member state using proceeds from frozen Russian assets.

Production and system integration will be carried out by Rheinmetall Italia S.p.A. at its main facility in Rome. “We are grateful for the trust that Ukraine places in us,” said Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG. “We also thank the EU member state for its support, which strengthens our ongoing efforts to assist Ukraine.”

The Skyranger 35 on a Leopard 1 chassis combines the mobility and armor protection of a proven combat vehicle with the effectiveness of a gun-based air defense system. It is equipped with a 35mm x 228 KDG 35/1000 revolver cannon capable of up to 1,000 rounds per minute and an effective range of up to 4,000 meters. In addition, it uses programmable airburst ammunition and maintains high compatibility with the Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk 3. In the future, the platform will be able to integrate modern guided missiles, expanding its capabilities.

This combination of the Leopard chassis and the Skyranger 35 system was previously presented at the Eurosatory 2024 international defense exhibition in Paris. On that occasion, Rheinmetall showcased its advancements in gun-based air defense, highlighting the Skyranger 30 and Skyranger 35 systems, as well as the MANTIS system.

During the event, the German company displayed for the first time a Skyranger 35 mounted on a Leopard 2 tank chassis, evoking the historic Gepard system, which is still operated by Ukrainian forces. According to the company, the Skyranger 35 offers higher firing rate and firepower thanks to its 35mm x 228 Oerlikon cannon with a range of 4,000 meters, while the Skyranger 30 version reaches 3,000 meters with its 30mm x 173 cannons.

Up to now, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have operated Skynex systems, also developed by Rheinmetall. These were delivered in 2024 and funded by the German government with an investment exceeding 182 million euros, making Ukraine the only country with these platforms in active service.

Like the Skyranger, the Skynex is a short-range air defense (SHORAD) system designed to protect critical infrastructure against drones and cruise missiles. Each unit features an Oerlikon Mk 3 35mm automatic cannon capable of firing 1,000 rounds per minute, using AHEAD programmable ammunition to neutralize small, high-speed aerial targets.

The incorporation of the Skyranger 35 on the Leopard 1 marks a new stage in the modernization of Ukraine’s air defense, providing the country with a mobile, protected, and versatile platform suited to the current threats of the battlefield.

*Images for illustrative purposes only.

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