In a bid to keep operational costs down, Rheinmetall has tested its Skyranger-35 mobile air defense system on an older Leopard 1 tank chassis.
The air defense system debuted at the Eurosatory 2024 on a Leopard 2 tank chassis, a move said to contribute to weapon stability and operational effectiveness in rough terrain.
However, the older Leopard 1 is apparently cheaper than the Leopard 2.
It is also more widely used globally, allowing countries with existing fleets to bolster their air defenses without investing in an entirely new platform.
Despite being considered obsolete, Leopard 1 remains a robust and reliable platform for armed forces, making it suitable for upgrades and future conversions.
German arms manufacturing giant Rheinmetall has successfully tested its Skyranger 35 air defense system on the Leopard 1 tank chassis, seen here firing a stream of 35mm shells at a proving ground.
Rheinmetall appears to be moving towards fielding a new, lower cost SPAAG. pic.twitter.com/04QHfmifnl
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) September 20, 2024
About the Skyranger-35
The Skyranger-35 is designed to protect both moving and fixed assets from low-flying aerial threats, such as drones and helicopters.
Armed with a 35-millimeter Oerlikon Revolver Cannon, it is capable of firing up to 1,000 rounds per minute at an effective range of 4,000 meters (2.5 miles).
Skyranger Demo Day: Rheinmetall zeigt Flugabwehrkanonensystem Skyranger 35 auf Leopard 1 Chassis.
Bild: hartpunkt / Lars Hoffmann pic.twitter.com/fqLpabla2h
— hartpunkt (@hartpunkt) September 18, 2024
The system also has sophisticated targeting systems, including a 360-degree active radar and a Ku-band tracking radar.
One of its most effective features is its ability to effectively engage even the smallest of threats, making it an ideal weapon against drone swarms.
If compatible, the Skyranger-35 on a Leopard 1 chassis could appeal to customers seeking to enhance their air defenses while utilizing existing platforms.
