Ukraine to Get First Skyranger 35 Systems on Leopard 1 Tanks

Defense Feeds – Ukraine to get first Skyranger 35 mobile air defense systems next week, marking a significant step in the country’s ongoing military modernization. 

These advanced systems, mounted on refurbished Leopard 1 tank chassis, confirm Rheinmetall’s commitment to deliver before the end of 2025. 

Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger highlighted that despite several production and technical challenges, the delivery timeline remains on track. 

While the exact number of Skyranger 35 units ordered has not been disclosed, the contract is estimated to be worth several hundred million euros. 

Industry sources reveal the funding comes from an undisclosed European partner using frozen Russian assets to bolster Ukraine’s air defense capabilities against persistent drone and missile threats.

Adapted from Leopard 1 Tanks for Rapid Deployment

Rheinmetall managed to speed up deliveries by focusing production on the new Skyranger 35 turrets while reusing Leopard 1 hulls already in storage across Europe. 

Many of these older tanks had been decommissioned decades ago and required major restoration work to serve as mobile platforms for modern systems.

This approach allowed Rheinmetall to convert inactive assets into combat-ready vehicles in a shorter timeframe than producing new ones from scratch. 

The Leopard-based Skyrangers will form part of Ukraine’s layered air defense network, operating alongside other German-made systems like Gepard self-propelled guns and Skynex batteries.

Defense experts note that Germany’s experience refurbishing Leopard 1s for Ukraine played a crucial role in accelerating the Skyranger program. 

It also demonstrates how legacy armored platforms can be adapted for new air defense missions with advanced electronics and sensors.

Capabilities Against Drones and Cruise Missiles

The Skyranger 35 is designed to counter a range of low-flying aerial threats, including drones, loitering munitions, and cruise missiles. Learn more about the Skyranger family here

Equipped with a high-rate 35 mm revolver cannon and programmable airburst ammunition, the system can neutralize aerial targets at short to medium range.

Rheinmetall highlights that the Skyranger turret shares technology with the combat-proven Skynex system, which has demonstrated effectiveness in Ukraine against Russian Shahed drones as well as cruise missiles like the Kh-101 and Kalibr. 

Analysts believe integrating Skyranger systems will significantly enhance Ukraine’s defense against ongoing drone swarm attacks targeting energy and logistics infrastructure.

In addition to its gun-based defense, the Skyranger 35 can be configured to carry short-range missiles or electronic warfare modules, providing modular flexibility for different combat scenarios. 

These capabilities make it one of the most versatile short-range air defense platforms currently available to European forces.

Future Integration and Local Production Potential

It remains uncertain whether future Skyranger 35 variants for Ukraine will continue to use the Leopard 1 chassis exclusively. 

Rheinmetall has proposed integrating the turret onto newer mobile platforms, including the Boxer armored vehicle and the Lynx infantry fighting vehicle, both of which could potentially be assembled locally in Ukraine.

Plans for production localization have been discussed between Rheinmetall and Ukrainian defense partners, though funding hurdles have so far limited progress. 

Ukrainian officials have supported the idea of developing domestic assembly lines to build future versions of the Skyranger and Lynx, ensuring long-term sustainability and self-sufficiency.

Meanwhile, Germany also intends to procure hundreds of Skyranger 35 systems for its own armed forces as part of a major modernization push to strengthen its short-range air defense layer. 

This shared interest in the system could simplify logistics and long-term maintenance for both nations.

The upcoming delivery of the Skyranger 35 marks a step forward in Germany’s and Ukraine’s defense cooperation. 

With tensions still high, the system’s arrival promises to enhance Ukraine’s ability to intercept drones and missiles, protecting key infrastructure and military concentrations from aerial threats.