The Netherlands has announced plans to enhance its air defense capabilities by purchasing 22 Skyranger 30 short-range air defense systems. These systems will be mounted on ACSV Gen 5 tracked armored vehicles, with a total procurement cost of 1.3 billion euros ($1.35 billion). The acquisition is a key component of the country’s counter-UAS program, aimed at bolstering defenses against drones, helicopters and low-flying aircraft.
The Dutch Ministry of Defense is expected to finalize contracts in the near future, with deliveries slated for 2028. Once operational, the Skyranger 30 systems will be integrated into the Defense Ground-Based Air Defense Command (DGLC) at Lieutenant-General Best Barracks in Vredepeel. This purchase not only strengthens the Netherlands’ mobile air defense but also aligns with NATO’s broader efforts to enhance European security.
Modernizing Dutch air defense
The Netherlands is undertaking a broader modernization of its air defense forces through multiple acquisitions. The Skyranger 30 systems will complement the upcoming Norwegian Mobile Ground-Based Air Defense System (NOMADS), which will replace the aging Fennek vehicles currently armed with FIM-92 Stinger missiles. Mounted on the ACSV G5 platform, NOMADS will utilize the NASAMS command system and AIM-9X II Sidewinder missiles with a range of 15 km, with an expected entry into service by 2028.
To further enhance its medium-range air defense, the Netherlands is also procuring 21 NASAMS units equipped with AIM-120 AMRAAM-ER missiles. These will operate alongside the country’s existing Patriot PAC-2 and PAC-3 MSE batteries, providing a layered defense against aerial threats.
Additionally, in cooperation with Germany and Italy, the Netherlands is acquiring 940 FIM-92K Stinger Block I missiles through NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency. The NOMADS system will feature five command vehicles on the ACSV G5 platform to ensure seamless coordination across defense units. The Netherlands currently operates two NASAMS II batteries with AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radars, as well as four Patriot batteries under 802 Squadron.
Skyranger capabilities
Developed by Rheinmetall Air Defence AG and first unveiled in March 2021, the Skyranger 30 was designed to address the decline of mobile air defense capabilities in Western land forces post-Cold War. The system features a turret weighing between 2.5 and 3.4 tons, armed with the Oerlikon KCE 30×173 mm cannon.
This high-rate-of-fire weapon can discharge airburst rounds at 1,250 rounds per minute, with an effective range of 3 km. The system carries 300 ready rounds, including PMC308 ammunition containing 162 tungsten sub-projectiles, with a more advanced PMC455 variant under development featuring 500 tungsten cylinders for increased lethality.
The Skyranger 30 can also be integrated with two or four short-range surface-to-air missiles, such as Stinger, Mistral, or SkyKnight, extending its engagement range to 9 km. Additionally, a specialized variant has been developed to counter drone threats, incorporating nine Small Anti-Drone Missiles (SADM) based on the MBDA Enforcer, capable of targeting drones at ranges of 5–6 km.
These capabilities ensure rapid-response defense against modern aerial threats, making the Skyranger 30 a vital asset for military forces worldwide.
Post Image Credit: Rheinmetall
