The Dutch Ministry of Defence has awarded Rheinmetall Air Defence a major contract to supply Skyranger short-range air defense systems to the Dutch Armed Forces. Valued in the high triple-digit million-euro range, the agreement calls for deliveries to take place between late 2028 and the end of 2029, strengthening the Netherlands’ ground-based air defense posture.
Under the contract, the Netherlands will acquire a two-digit number of Skyranger systems in both mobile and fixed configurations. Rheinmetall Switzerland will manufacture the first three prototype units, after which Rheinmetall Netherlands in Ede will assume a significant role in the production and assembly of the remaining systems, ensuring a substantial portion of the program’s value is generated domestically.
Once fielded, the Skyranger platforms will be assigned to the Defence Ground-based Air Defence Command at Lieutenant-General Best Barracks in Vredepeel. The acquisition is intended to enhance the country’s layered air defense in response to the growing threat posed by unmanned aerial systems, a trend highlighted by recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
The Skyranger features a modular turret combining advanced sensors with a 30mm Revolver cannon and a short-range missile launcher compatible with interceptors such as Mistral 3, Stinger, and SkyKnight. Future upgrades are planned to include directed-energy weapons, beginning with 20-kilowatt laser systems scalable up to 100 kilowatts, enabling cost-effective engagement of drones, loitering munitions, and other low-signature aerial threats.
