Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger confirmed plans to deliver mobile drone defense systems to Ukraine before the end of 2025.
In an exclusive interview with Germany’s ZDF-Magazin WISO, Papperger said the deal—valued in the “three-digit million” euro range—will be signed on Wednesday at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) show in London.
The systems in question are Rheinmetall’s Skyranger platforms, described as compact, mobile air defense units that can be mounted on Leopard tanks.
According to Papperger, “Each of these systems can cover four by four kilometers to ensure a completely drone-free zone. That means all drones will be taken down.”
In the ZDF interview, he emphasized the system’s potential to help Ukrainian forces deal with growing threats from unmanned aerial vehicles. “The systems could help Ukraine very much in the current situation,” he said.
Skyranger is designed to intercept small aerial targets, especially drones, at short and very short ranges. Rheinmetall says the system can operate independently or as part of a broader network, using its 30×173 mm KCE revolver cannon and programmable AHEAD airburst ammunition. It also supports integration of short-range missiles and onboard sensors, increasing its engagement capabilities.
While the new export deal with Ukraine is a milestone, Rheinmetall is also preparing for a large-scale domestic contract. In August, Papperger told investors that the company expects an order from the Bundeswehr later this year for up to €8 billion worth of Skyranger systems. He declined to disclose the number of units, citing security considerations, but deliveries are projected to run through 2035.
“These are the two periods the government is planning with,” Papperger noted, referring to procurement phases running from now until 2029, and then from 2029 to 2035. According to reporting by Hartpunkt, the Bundeswehr’s demand for the lowest tier of air defense could reach as many as 600 Skyranger systems.
Germany already signed a €595 million deal with Rheinmetall in February 2024 for the development and initial production of Skyranger 30 systems on Boxer armored vehicles. The prototype was delivered in early 2025, with series production units expected to enter service between 2027 and 2028.