Rheinmetall awarded Skyguard contract
Rheinmetall has been awarded a $425.39 million order by an undisclosed international customer to modernise its Skyguard air defence systems, the company announced on 2 February.
Deliveries will be made between 2017 and 2020. The modernisation programme will equip the missile/gun air defence systems with advanced search radar technology designed to engage aerial targets at medium to very short ranges. The Skyguard systems will also be fitted with a latest-generation friend-foe identification system, a new target tracking radar and electronic warfare components.
The missile launcher will be equipped with electronic pod that will improve the system’s missile capability. Logistical support will also be enhanced under the contract.
The Skyguard system is an all-weather air defense system contained within a towed trailer. It targets low-altitude aircraft at low and medium altitude ranges up to 3,000m. The current third-generation system is optimised for inner tier and vital asset protection, featuring the Oerlikon Twin Gun GDF007 and Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk2 Towed.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
Germany signs multi-billion-dollar deals for 6x6 CAVS and GDELS Eagle vehicles
The order is a further boost for the Common Armoured Vehicles System programme which has notched notable successes in the past 12 months. The first vehicle, made in Finland, will be delivered next year with local production expected to ramp up in 2027.
-
Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options
The French and German governments signed an agreement in June 2018 to cooperate on the development of a new main battle tank under the Main Ground Combat System programme but the effort has struggled. This new agreement may damage it further.
-
Hungary set to begin using Hero 400 loitering munitions
Developed by Israel's Uvision and with systems being sold in the thousands to multiple European NATO countries and the US, the Hero family of loitering systems is also in production in the US and Italy, the latter through Rheinmetall.
-
Croatia orders Leopards and CAESAR howitzers as Lithuania orders more CAESARs
The Leopard is becoming the tank of choice in central and eastern Europe as Croatia joins Lithuania, the Czech Republic and Hungary in ordering the platform. Lithuania and Croatia have also signed for CAESAR howitzers.
-
Light Reconnaissance Strike – enabling a vital mission set (Studio)
A new system-of-systems concept will unlock digital integration of sensors and weapons for Light Forces, allowing them to shape the battlefield environment on their own terms and upgrade legacy platforms.