German defense conglomerate Rheinmetall announced that it will supply Ukraine with additional Skyranger 35 air defense systems mounted on the Leopard-1 chassis, in a contract financed by an EU country using proceeds from frozen Russian assets.
Production and integration will take place at Rheinmetall Italia SpA in Rome, the company said, and the order is described as being worth a “three-digit million euro figure.”
The Leopard-1 Skyranger 35 pairs the mobility and protection of a tried tracked vehicle with a cannon-based air defense package designed to engage low-altitude threats. As noted by the company, the Skyranger 35 is fitted with a KDG 35/1000 revolver cannon in 35×228 mm calibre, with a firing rate of 1,000 rounds per minute and an effective engagement envelope “of up to 4,000 metres.” Company materials add that the system uses AHEAD airburst ammunition and that “in the future, it will also be possible to equip it with modern guided missiles.”
Rheinmetall’s chief executive framed the deal as a continued industrial commitment to Ukraine.
“We are grateful for the trust that Ukraine has placed in us,” said Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG. “We would also like to thank the EU country, for the support, which underlines our continued efforts to support Ukraine.”
According to the company, the Skyranger 35’s architecture emphasizes commonality with existing cannon systems — notably the Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk 3 — while delivering the short-range, rapid-fire capability required to defeat drones, rotary-wing threats, and incoming munitions in the lower flight band. The Leopard-1 hull provides a mobile, tracked firing platform that can accompany mechanized forces and operate from forward positions, the release said.
The procurement, financed through a third party’s use of frozen asset proceeds, reflects a growing trend among allies to find alternative funding channels to rapidly replenish Ukrainian air defense inventories. The contract’s scope was not disclosed beyond the description of its overall value as a three-digit million euro figure and the note that integration will be handled in Italy.