The German company Rheinmetall is developing a special automatic system for the rapid reloading of its latest air defense system, the Skyranger 30, which is currently being actively purchased throughout Europe to effectively combat russian drones and cruise missiles.
It has been announced that this automatic reloading system will be capable of replenishing the Skyranger 30's entire ammunition load—which consists of approximately 250 30 mm rounds—in just a few minutes. Typically, this process takes tens of minutes, if not hours, according to Militär Aktuell.
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Reloading will be performed by replacing the entire Skyranger 30 magazine. Instead of the empty magazine, the system will install another one that is already loaded with ammunition. It can carry up to six magazines.
It is also reported that a special trailer for the automated reloading system is being considered. This would allow it to carry 12 additional magazines, bringing the total capacity to 18 magazines, or 4,500 rounds.
Automating this process allows the crew to reload the Skyranger 30 without leaving their armored capsule. This protects the crew from artillery shell fragments or drone strikes.
The published images show that the reloading system appears to be capable of carrying interceptor missiles for the Skyranger 30 as well. However, it is unclear whether these can also be reloaded automatically without the crew leaving the armored capsule.
The published images also show that the system will be built on the chassis of a Rheinmetall RMMV HX2 6x6 truck. The reloading system is reportedly being developed specifically for the Skyranger 30, with plans to develop a version capable of reloading the Skyranger 35 in the future.
It is important to note that Rheinmetall is developing this system in collaboration with the Austrian Armed Forces, as well as with the Austrian companies Empl and Palfinger. Therefore, it can be assumed that Austria will be the first operator of this reloading system.
Ukraine already has a Skyranger 35 in service, although only one system is currently being used for testing. However, in October 2025, a certain number of Skyranger 35s worth hundreds of millions of euros were ordered for Ukraine.
It could be particularly useful for Ukraine to receive these new reloading systems, as they could help counter large-scale attacks and enhance the effectiveness of the Skyranger systems.
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