Austria Acquires 36 Vehicle-Mounted Rheinmetall Skyranger Air Defense Systems

Defense News ,Austria :-  Austria has recently bought 36 Skyranger mobile air defense systems for its Pandur wheeled armored vehicles. These vehicles are made by General Dynamics European Land Systems, and Austria has ordered a total of 225 of them. The entire deal is worth about half a billion euros, and the delivery of the Rheinmetall system is set to begin in 2026.

The Skyranger Air Defense System is equipped with a versatile turret that includes a modern sensor suite, a 30mm automatic cannon, and Mistral guided missiles. The cannon can shoot 1,200 rounds per minute and has a range of 3 kilometers (1.86 miles). The system also has a command system that helps assess local threats.

Designed to tackle various aerial threats like drones, fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and loitering munitions, the Skyranger is a comprehensive defense solution.

Austria's decision to purchase these systems comes after upgrading its existing 35mm Skyguard Next Generation system for 532 million euros ($576 million). Austria is the third country, following Germany and Hungary, to acquire the Skyranger system. Additionally, Denmark has chosen the Skyranger to fulfill its air defense needs.