The Netherlands buys Rheinmetall anti-aircraft guns for $1.35 billion
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The Netherlands plans to purchase 22 Skyranger mobile air defence guns from Germany's Rheinmetall to protect ground troops from drones. The project has a budget of €1.3 billion and deliveries are expected in 2028-2029.
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The Dutch Ministry of Defence has announced that the first contracts are expected to be signed in the first half of 2025. The procurement includes not only the cost of the systems, but also ammunition, operating costs and a risk reserve. According to Secretary of State for Defence Guise Tuinman, the country's armed forces do not have mobile systems that could effectively counter small and cheap drones.
"We need to be better able to deal with enemy drones, helicopters and other aerial threats. That is why we are purchasing 22 mobile anti-drone systems. In doing so, we are protecting our own troops, strengthening our combat power, and contributing to NATO requirements," said Tweenman in a post on X.
The Skyranger 30 guns will be mounted on ACSV armoured vehicles made by German Flensburger Fahrzeugbau. They are capable of engaging drones, helicopters and aircraft at a range of up to 5 km using a 30mm cannon and surface-to-air missiles. The system has its own active 360° radar and infrared thermal imaging camera.
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Skyranger 30 during a demonstration firing. Illustration: Defence Network
The Dutch Ministry of Defence plans to create five mobile air defence units to protect manoeuvre battalions of medium and heavy infantry brigades. In addition to the Skyranger, the country will also purchase the Kongsberg NOMADS system, which will include five mobile fire control stations and 18 weapon platforms with Sidewinder missiles.
The secretary of state noted that the Netherlands is seeking a high level of cooperation with European allies such as Germany, Denmark and Austria, which are also purchasing Skyranger.
Source: Defence New