The Skyranger 35mm

Revolutionizing Air Defense for Ukraine

Desperate Times require Timely Innovation

Just a couple days ago at Eurosatory 2024, Rheinmetall unveiled their new Skyranger 35mm, a highly mobile air defense system designed to meet modern battlefield needs. Ground based air defense has become crucial among the ongoing conflict and despite the outstanding performance of the Gepard Anti-Air Platform, the numbers Germany was able to supply to the Ukrainian forces were not enough to protect every city and all its vital infrastructure. A platform that is both efficient and able to be supplied in large numbers is needed to bring much needed relief to the warzone.

Mobility and Firepower

The ability to mount the newly developed anti-air system on pretty much any available vehicle base will make it easy to be supplied in large numbers, one of the main issues plaguing the German supplied arms — while they are immensely effective, there are only so many of them able to be sent. In a modern warzone full of drones and unmanned craft, way more manpower is needed to achieve good coverage.

Showcased at Eurosatory 2024 on a Leopard 2 chassis, the system integrates a KDG35/1000 revolver cannon firing 35mm x 228 caliber rounds at an astonishing 1000 rounds per minute. This combination offers an effective range of up to 4000 meters, making it exceptional at countering fast and agile threats, such as drones or other low flying aircraft. Equipped with AHEAD airburst ammunition and an autonomous firing computer, it can neutralize incoming threats effectively and securely as well as being able to engage multiple targets simultaneously.

Strategic Implications for Ukraine

For Ukraine, the Skyranger 35 offers a crucial upgrade in air defense. The system’s mobility allows it to provide dynamic protection for advancing troops and strategic positions, effectively countering threats from Russia’s drone and air assault capabilities. Its deployment could relieve the pressure on Ukraine’s existing air defense systems, which are currently stretched thin across multiple fronts. Despite the supplied modern weapons systems, it has proven difficult to supply the necessary amount to provide meaningful assistance.

In the context of the Ukrainian conflict, rapid deployment of the Skyranger 35 could provide immediate tactical advantages. With Rheinmetall’s proposed delivery timelines, Ukraine could integrate these systems within a year, offering a timely boost to its defense capabilities. The modular design allows for easy updates and integration with existing systems, ensuring the Skyranger 35 remains relevant as new threats emerge.

Back to the Roots

In an era where we can observe one reveal of modern arms after another, it is easy for us to lose track of what is actually necessary, on the ground, to win these wars. Ukraine does not need futuristic new wonder-weapon systems. It needs easy to maintain, cheap and highly effective equipment that is able to be supplied in large enough numbers to actually make a difference. The Skyranger could fill this spot where the Gepard failed. Instead of multibillion stealth bombers and fully autonomous tank projects, it has proven necessary to take a step back and remain realistic about what is actually needed.

The Skyranger, while representing a significant leap in armored warfare technology still, is able to bridge that gap perfectly, standing as a testament to Rheinmetall’s recent commitment to providing as cheap and easy to supply options as possible that are still surprisingly cutting edge, setting a new standard for air defense systems globally.