Romania orders Skyranger 35 air defence systems from Rheinmetall
Rheinmetall, a prominent technology group in the defense sector, has secured a significant contract from the Romanian government for the supply of Skyranger 35 air defence systems. This contract is part of a larger major order valued at €5.7 billion, which includes various combat vehicles, naval vessels, and air defence systems. Specifically, the order comprises 24 Skyranger 35 systems, in addition to seven Skynex systems and two Millennium Guns designed for maritime air defence solutions. The announcement was made by Rheinmetall in a press release dated 2 June 2026.
The Skyranger system will be mounted on the established Lynx KF41 tracked platform, showcasing Rheinmetall’s capabilities as a frontrunner in mobile air defence solutions across Europe.
This substantial contract fortifies the enduring partnership between Romania and Rheinmetall, reflecting Romania’s commitment to modernising its military capabilities and adopting forward-thinking technologies to safeguard its territory while bolstering NATO’s eastern defenses. The Skyranger 35, renowned for its formidable firepower and advanced sensor capabilities, integrated with the mobility and protective features of the Lynx infantry fighting vehicle, is ideally suited to respond to current threat environments. Recent events, including an incident involving an unmanned drone in Romanian airspace, underscore the pressing need for a highly mobile very short-range air defence (VSHORAD) system.
Oliver Dürr, Head of Rheinmetall’s Air Defence Division, highlighted the project’s strategic significance, stating, “Romania’s choice of the Skyranger 35 on the Lynx platform marks a significant milestone for European air defence. We are honored to continue our long-standing collaboration with the Romanian government and offer the country robust support amidst this critical security situation. The recent drone incident has illustrated how swiftly airborne threats can emerge. The Skyranger 35 equips Romania with a highly effective and adaptable solution for reliably protecting military personnel and crucial infrastructure against contemporary threats across short and very short ranges.”
Through this order, Rheinmetall advocates for standardization and interoperability among NATO member nations.
About Skyranger 35
The Skyranger 35 is engineered to effectively counter loitering munitions, swarm drones, and other aerial threats within close proximity. It features a high-precision 35 mm revolver cannon that utilizes programmable AHEAD airburst munitions. This integrated system merges cutting-edge radar sensors and electro-optical tracking capabilities with the reliable 35 mm anti-aircraft gun, all housed within a single protected platform. As a result, the Romanian Army is empowered to perform airspace surveillance and engage targets autonomously while in motion.
