Sensor specialist HENSOLDT is strengthening its role as a leader in air defence sensors. Rheinmetall Air Defence has awarded HENSOLDT a contract worth nearly 100 million euros to supply SPEXER air defense radars for the new Skyranger 30 anti-aircraft gun tank (FlakPz).
The Skyranger 30, developed by Rheinmetall Air Defence, will succeed the Gepard FlakPz in the Bundeswehr’s new air defense force. The SPEXER 2000 radar will enhance the system’s capabilities with its superior target detection, classification, and tracking, even in motion or flight. This is part of a framework agreement between HENSOLDT and Rheinmetall Air Defense from 2023, with the SPEXER 2000M 3D MkIII being offered to various users.
The ordered radars will equip Skyranger tanks in Germany and Austria, with Denmark also planning a similar procurement. The German Skyranger 30 is based on the GTK Boxer and includes the Stinger-guided missile. In contrast, the Austrian version is based on the Pandur EVO and features the Mistral guided missile alongside its 30mm revolver cannon.
The SPEXER radar family provides high-performance surveillance radars for various ranges, designed to automatically detect and classify ground, sea, and low-flying air targets. The SPEXER 2000 is utilized in the German cUAS field camp (ASUL), qualified air defense, HoWiSM (high-energy laser for drone defense), and NNbS programs.
HENSOLDT, with decades of experience in radar systems for air defense, continues to advance key technologies in this field. In addition to the SPEXER series, HENSOLDT’s portfolio includes the TRML-4D high-performance radar, proven effective in Ukraine, the Twinvis passive radar, and radars for securing ship and air traffic. Both the TRML-4D and SPEXER radars are integral components of the Bundeswehr’s NNbS air defense system for close and short-range protection, commissioned in January.
Post Image- Rheinmetall’s Skyranger 30 anti-aircraft gun tank will be equipped with the SPEXER radar from HENSOLDT. (Post Image Credit: Rheinmetall)
