Saudi Arabia Skyranger 30: Saudi Arabia keeps talking with Germany about joining work on new German laser counter-drone systems. Tactical Report said this on November 12, 2025. The country also stays interested in the Rheinmetall Skyranger 30 air defense system and the MEKO A-200 frigate from TKMS.
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Riyadh wants systems that can move fast and do not cost too much. They want something like the Skyranger 30 because it can deal with small drones and short range missiles that fly low and sneak around energy sites and border zones. The attacks that hit Saudi Arabia before made the country think harder on short range defense.
Many old systems still serve like the Hawk launchers French Crotale units, and the Shahine version that fits desert use. Some new tools like jammers and laser weapons also came in mobile and fixed spots. But the war in Ukraine showed that old layered systems can get overwhelmed by big waves of drone swarms or cruise missiles.
More Pressure From Regional Threats
Attacks from Houthis whic is a rocket fire from regional rivals and the huge Vision 2030 projects push Saudi Arabia to improve defense for low flying drones and missiles. New high altitude tools like THAAD help the top layers but do not replace short range shields that sit close to airports, ports, oil sites, factories and big cities. These short range systems must move with the troops too and plug into early warning networks. The Skyranger 30 fits this idea because it mixes guns, missiles and sensors in one fast unit.
The Skyranger 30 started as a lighter version of the older Skyranger 35. Rheinmetall’s team looked at ammo types, size, firepower, cost and decided the 30×173 mm KCE cannon was the best mix. They showed the first demo in 2020 and later at ILA 2022 on a Boxer 8×8. Tests in 2023 showed it could fire while still moving. Germany ordered one test vehicle and 18 production vehicles in 2024 and got the first model in January 2025.
Sensors on the Skyranger 30
The system uses a KCE cannon firing around 1,200 rounds per minute with an effective range near 3 km. It can shoot many types of ammo like airburst rounds with tungsten bits inside. Missiles like Stinger, Mistral 3, DefendAir and SkyKnight can be added for ranges between 5 and 10 km depending on the missile. Rheinmetall also works on a laser version that may reach 20–50 kW and someday 100 kW.
The turret can carry either the AMMR radar or the Spexer 2000M radar. AMMR sees out past 20 km for big targets and gives full 360 degrees coverage with several antennas. The Spexer option also covers all directions and can detect light aircraft at about 27 km and small drones at 9 km, reorted Army recognition.
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Skyranger 30: Features
The Skyranger 30 uses the FIRST infrared scanner and a tracking unit with two cameras and two laser rangefinders. A contract worth about 5 million euros signed in May 2025 supports Vidar laser rangefinders from Lumibird Photonics Sweden AB. Curtis Wright Switzerland provides parts for stabilizing the turret.
The unmanned turret weighs around 1.5 to 2 tons without ammo and can fit many vehicles like Boxer, Pandur EVO, Piranha V, ACSV tracks and even some unmanned vehicles. It holds about 252 rounds and around 1,000 rounds of 7.62 mmm ammo. The shape allows a 360 degree radar, IR scanner and optional tracking radar.
Countries already placing orders include Germany with 19 systems first and plans for 500-600 in total. Austria wants 36 units plus options. Denmark chose 16 turrets for Piranha V, and the Netherlands plans 22 systems. Belgium wants around 20. Hungary works on a Lynx KF41 version. Lithuania studies it and the United States got an offer in 2024.
