The German armed forces are apparently settling for an interim solution for its aerial defense needs due to significant delivery delays associated with the Rheinmetall Skyranger system. According to reports citing industry circles, Diehl is preparing to supply 48 systems designed for drone hunting. Specifically, these units utilize the GARMR system, which employs radar to detect drones and subsequently neutralizes them using either specialized defense drones or a mounted machine cannon. The procurement plan includes 24 vehicles equipped with cannons and 24 vehicles configured with interceptor drones.
This temporary measure was anticipated beforehand by the Army Inspector General, Lieutenant General Christian Freuding, who had indicated during public appearances that his branch was seeking an interim setup for the Brigade Lithuania, as the Skyranger anti-air vehicle is delayed. This armored brigade is slated to be a permanent deployment in Lithuania and must be fully operational by the end of 2027.
The delays affecting the Skyranger are reportedly linked to specialized demands concerning the integration of guidance missiles and the vehicle’s chassis, as the Bundeswehr requested a different variant of the Boxer armored vehicle than what Rheinmetall initially provided. Industry sources indicate that the contract amendment for the new “B0” chassis might be concluded in November 2026. Production of a production-ready Skyranger on this updated chassis could commence as early as the second quarter of 2027. Following that, the formal official testing phase-the “Amtserprobung”-is anticipated to begin, a process expected to continue until the third quarter of 2028.
