Ukraine will receive a significant boost to its air defense capabilities thanks to the latest German Skyranger 35 self-propelled systems, which are currently considered one of the most effective solutions for combating UAVs.
According to Rheinmetall, the contract to supply additional Skyranger 35s to Ukraine is worth hundreds of millions of euros. The purchase will also be financed by one of the EU countries from frozen russian assets.
Read more: Called World's Best, Stinger Now Faces Rival RTX is Already Building Counter‑UAV Replacement
This agreement was expected, as it was announced back in September by Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, who said that it would be signed during the DSEI exhibition in London, which did not happen. The key point is that the Skyranger 35 systems are scheduled for delivery by the end of the year.
Skyranger 35 is a 35 mm anti-aircraft system capable of using programmable shells. This enables it to effectively engage aerodynamic air targets at ranges of up to 4 km while using minimal ammunition.
Ukraine is already using Skyranger, but in the form of a separate combat module known as Skynex. Videos of its use clearly show that targets like Shahed drones are destroyed with the first shot.
Rheinmetall has not disclosed the number of Skyranger 35s for Ukraine. Estimating the precise cost is difficult because the price depends on both the combat module and the chassis, which can vary. In the case of the Skyranger 35, it is a refurbished Leopard 1.
The unit price of Skynex combat modules can be estimated using Italy's contract as a benchmark. According to this contract, the price of four 35 mm units, one sensor unit, and a command post is €73 million, with subsequent deliveries costing €68 million for such a set assembled into a single system.
This suggests that the cost of a single combat module is likely below €17 million, probably around €11–13 million, which aligns with the Bundeswehr's plan to place a general order for these systems worth €6–8 billion
Unfortunately, it is impossible to determine the exact price, as Denmark ordered 16 Skyranger 30 systems (differing only in caliber) but did not disclose the cost. Officially, it is announced as "a three-digit range in millions of euros." Under these conditions, the cost is generally estimated as €11–13 million per combat module, plus the expenses for refurbishing and adapting the Leopard 1 chassis.
It should also be noted that Rheinmetall declares the production of 200 Skyranger anti-aircraft systems per year. This volume is sufficient to quickly meet demand. In the case of the Skyranger 35, existing chassis are used.
Read more: Old Soviet Design, Polish Upgrade: Ukraine's S-125 Newa-SC System May Be Defeating Ballistic Threats
