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
-
British Army's open plan draws diverse offerings for Land Rover replacement
The UK Ministry of Defence has avoided being prescriptive in its search to replace the British Army’s Land Rover, meaning vehicle types being offered range from Land Rover Defender Wolf II and Humvee to the hybrid series Fering Pioneer. What does this mean for the procurement process?
-
DVD 2026: British Army’s Ajax back in the hands of users as part of a gradual return
The introduction of Ajax vehicles into British Army service was stopped after operator health issues were reported during an exercise, but manufacturer General Dynamics Land Systems UK believes work over the past 10 months has dealt with the problems.
-
Europe commits to long-range fires but countries move in different directions
Sweden, Croatia and France are pursuing different rocket artillery solutions as European armies seek greater reach, survivability and industrial resilience.
-
MAAF to test Britain’s shift from armour to distributed lethality in Estonia
The bilateral agreement between the UK and Estonia comes as both countries explore how dispersed troops, drones, digital targeting, anti-tank weapons and increasingly long-range fires can complement the combat mass traditionally provided by heavy armour.