Netherlands to Buy 22 Skyranger Air Defense Systems for $1.3 Billion
The Netherlands plans to purchase 22 mobile air defense systems to protect heavy and medium infantry brigades against airborne threats, State Secretary of Defense Gijs Tuinman announced.
With a budget of 1.3 billion euros ($1.35 billion), the defense ministry selected Rheinmetall’s Skyranger 30 as it is equipped with surface-to-air missiles and a 30-millimeter rapid-fire cannon that can fire up to 1,250 shots per minute to counter drones, aircraft, and helicopters.
The guns are mounted on a tracked Armoured Combat Support Vehicle from the German firm Flensburger Fahrzeugbau, which the ministry also procured for the military’s medium- and short-range air defense systems.
With the contract for the air defense systems expected to be signed within the first half of 2025, deliveries are anticipated by 2028.
Once the systems arrive, they will be assigned to the Defence Ground-based Air Defence Command stationed at the Lieutenant-General Best Barracks in Vredepeel, which is located in the country’s southeast.
We moeten beter opgewassen zijn tegen vijandelijke drones, heli’s en andere dreiging vanuit de lucht.
Daarom schaffen we 22 mobiele anti-drone kanonsystemen aan.
Zo beschermen we onze eigen troepen, versterken we de gevechtskracht en dragen we bij aan de NAVO-behoeften. pic.twitter.com/jGXGVxE5UC
— Gijs Tuinman (@DefensieStas) January 29, 2025
European Defense
These acquisitions enable the Netherlands to develop a comprehensive layered air defense amid the increasing threats posed by drones, as seen on the battlefield between Ukraine and Russia and in the Middle East.
Purchasing the Skyranger will also increase interoperability with European neighbors operating the system, such as Austria, Denmark, and Germany.
In addition, the move fulfills Amsterdam’s defense commitment to NATO.
“We must be better prepared for enemy drones and other threats from the air, now and in the future. With the arrival of this new weapon system, we protect our troops and ensure the necessary combat power,” said Tuinman.
