Purchase of Anti-Drone Technology by the Netherlands
PARIS — The Dutch government has finalized a deal with Germany’s Rheinmetall to acquire Skyranger anti-drone systems for a sum under €1 billion (approximately US$1.2 billion), which is less than initially projected in a budget report to parliament in January.
The Netherlands is set to procure both mobile and stationary variants of the Skyranger air-defense system, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Defence. The initial units of Skyranger are scheduled for delivery towards the end of 2028, with the full handover expected by the close of 2029, detailed Rheinmetall in a statement on Friday.
In light of the prevalent use of drones in Ukraine’s ongoing conflict, European nations are actively seeking solutions to shield their mobile forces from such aerial threats. Last month, the Dutch officials revealed plans to equip wheeled armored vehicles with remote-controlled weapon systems as an interim solution before the Skyranger systems become operational.
The acquisition of the Skyranger systems will enhance the Netherlands’ defensive capabilities against drone attacks in severe conflict scenarios, stated the Ministry of Defence.
These systems are intended to bolster the existing air defense framework, safeguarding troop units and vital infrastructures, including the Port of Rotterdam and various military locations. The Port of Rotterdam, being the largest in Europe, serves as a critical logistical node, especially for military supplies destined for Ukraine.
Rheinmetall disclosed that it would supply a “two-digit number” of Skyranger systems to the Dutch military, with the contract’s value reaching the “high triple-digit” million euros. Specific details on the numbers involved remain undisclosed due to contractual privacy, as conveyed to Defense News by Rheinmetall, while the Dutch Ministry of Defence has not immediately responded to inquiries.
The defense manufacturer also mentioned that the Netherlands would be receiving a new configuration of the system, which can be deployed both on vehicles and in a stationary setup. Previously, Rheinmetall had marketed Skyranger primarily as a mobile system, showcasing the cannons mounted on armored vehicles at international defense expos like Eurosatory in Paris and DSEI in London.
The Skyranger 30, outfitted with a 30mm revolver cannon capable of firing airburst munitions, is designed to neutralize drones weighing up to 600 kilograms from distances up to 5 kilometers.
Additionally, the Dutch military’s order includes standard Skyranger 30 air-defense turrets, tactical-level control nodes, and hook-lift transport platforms for stationary deployment, according to Rheinmetall.
Oliver Dürr, the managing director of Rheinmetall Air Defence, emphasized the uniqueness of the configuration designed for the Dutch forces, which allows for both high mobility and stationary deployment without a vehicle carrier. He also noted that another NATO country has shown interest in this specific setup.
Originally, the Netherlands had plans to procure 22 Skyranger mobile air-defense cannons with a budget of €1.3 billion, as communicated by State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman to parliament in January.
Rheinmetall further explained that the upgrade of Dutch mobile air defense capabilities includes services from other suppliers and that the contracts could be subject to extensions.
The contract for constructing the first three prototypes was awarded to Rheinmetall Switzerland, with significant involvement in production and assembly expected from Rheinmetall’s facility in Ede, Netherlands, the Ministry of Defence stated.
Future integration of the air-defense systems onto vehicle structures, along with maintenance and supplies of spare parts, are planned to be managed from the Ede site, according to Rheinmetall.
In a related development, Hensoldt, a German defense-electronics manufacturer, announced a long-term framework agreement to supply Rheinmetall with its Spexer 2000 radar for ground-based air defense aimed at drone threats and the Skyranger 30 system. This agreement is set to last into the 2030s and could potentially reach a “high three-digit” million euro value, Hensoldt reported on Friday.
Similar Posts:
- Netherlands Crafts Mobile Anti-Drone System: Plugging Critical Defense Gaps!
- Netherlands Secures 46 Leopard Tanks in Over $1 Billion Deal: Strengthening Defense with KNDS
- Netherlands Considers Local Manufacturing of Raytheon’s Amraam Missile: A Strategic Shift?
- New Zealand’s Budget Boost: Cargo Planes, Helicopters, Javelins on Shopping List
- Saab Unveils Drone-Killing Missile: Cost-Effective Defense Solution in the Works
Jamal Peterson reports on defense, aerospace, and tech policy. With a military background and a strategic mind, he dissects complex subjects with clarity, offering readers sharp, reliable insights.
