Systems like the Skyranger are all the rage across Europe, as NATO nations have poured defense investment into anti-drone capabilities.
Europe’s desperate quest for rearmament continues. This time, the Netherlands, have entered an agreement with Germany’s Rheinmetall Air Defense to purchase Skyranger 30 air-defense/anti-drone cannon systems. In other words, Europe’s spasmodic rearmament is underway.
It is a serious recognition by the Netherlands (and Germany) about the importance that unmanned systems play on the modern battlefield—and how essential it is for modern militaries to defend against such attacks.
The contract value is under €1 billion. That’s lower than what the Dutch Parliament had been led to believe. At least ten units of this system have been ordered.
The Skyranger Anti-Drone System’s Specifications
Understanding the Dutch Skyranger Purchase
Purchasing this system from Germany’s Rheinmetall is part of a larger endeavor by the Dutch government to fill a short-range air defense and counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capability deficit. New Skyrangers will enhance the Netherlands’ existing medium-and-short-range systems.
It is believed that this would better protect maneuvering troops, key military locations, and other critical infrastructure (such as the port of Rotterdam), all of which could be targeted by the Russians as the situation in Ukraine deteriorates.
First deliveries are expected to be around late 2028, and a full delivery of these systems will come at the end of 2029. Rheinmetall’s first prototype will be constructed in Switzerland, and the rest of the units will be built in the Netherlands, boosting the economy of the Netherlands.
Watching the war unfold in Ukraine, the Netherlands have assessed that they must create layers of defenses against drones.
There is a real—albeit entirely unfounded—fear among the Eurocrats that once Russia finishes with Ukraine, as the Americans are clearly pulling back from the continent, the Russians will move in. Thus, Europe is on its rearmament binge and the Netherlands, a small country far removed from Russia on the continent, believes it needs the Skyranger 30.
Why is Germany So Committed to Rearmament?
Germany has become a key supplier of military gear for the NATO countries. The mass production of the Skyranger 30 for multiple countries—including the Netherlands—shows the way in which Germany is refashioning itself into an arms producer.
Of course, Europe should regard Germany’s rearmament with a sense of trepidation. After all, an armed Germany was the predicate for not one—but two—deadly world wars last century. Until a couple of years ago, in fact, Germany had robust diplomatic and economic relations both with the United States and Russia…and the world seemed much more peaceful back then.
Germany has plans to acquire over 600 Skyranger 30s in a potential €9 billion deal. Austria has ordered 36, Denmark 16, and Hungary is procuring them on the Lynx vehicle chassis. Thus, there is now a proliferation of C-UAS systems across Europe, highlighting the need for such weapons now that drones are ubiquitous.
Drones and unmanned systems are required for reconnaissance, attack, and swarm tactics. Short-range, rapid-fire platforms, such as the Skyranger 30, will increase NATO’s ability to protect forces and infrastructure against such threats.
The dual mobile/stationary configuration will give the Dutch military flexibility across multiple operational environments, too.
About the Author: Brandon J. Weichert
Brandon J. Weichert is a senior national security editor at The National Interest. Recently, Weichert became the host of The National Security Hour on America Outloud News and iHeartRadio, where he discusses national security policy every Wednesday at 8pm Eastern. Weichert hosts a companion book talk series on Rumble entitled “National Security Talk.” He is also a contributor at Popular Mechanics and has consulted regularly with various government institutions and private organizations on geopolitical issues. Weichert’s writings have appeared in multiple publications, including The Washington Times, National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, and the Asia Times. His books include Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His newest book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine is available for purchase wherever books are sold. He can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
