Rheinmetall, a leading German defense company, has recently clinched a major €30 million deal with Hungary to develop the Skyranger 30 turret, a key component of the future Lynx KF41 Mobile Air Defence Vehicle. The contract, signed in Budapest, represents a significant step in bolstering Hungary’s air defense capabilities in response to modern security threats.

The Skyranger 30 turret, designed to be mounted on the Lynx tracked armored vehicle, is specifically engineered to combat contemporary challenges, including drone and aerial attacks. This latest innovation combines the trusted technology of the Lynx infantry fighting vehicle with the advanced Skyranger air defense system. The Lynx Skyranger 30 features a 30mm automatic cannon, surface-to-air missiles, and an extensive sensor suite. This integration delivers a highly mobile and flexible defense solution with the ability to precisely target and neutralize short-range threats.

Armin Papperger, Chairman of Rheinmetall’s executive board, highlighted the turret’s versatility and efficiency, noting its capability to counter a wide array of threats, from ballistic missiles to unmanned aircraft. The Lynx Skyranger 30 aligns with the objectives of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), which aims to enhance air defense across NATO member states. ESSI focuses on the joint procurement, deployment, and maintenance of advanced military equipment, solidifying collective defense capabilities.

The burgeoning interest in the Skyranger 30 system extends beyond Hungary. Both the Bundeswehr (the German Armed Forces) and Denmark have shown keen interest in acquiring Skyranger 30 systems, albeit integrated into a different 8×8 wheeled armored vehicle. This growing interest underscores the Skyranger 30’s importance and effectiveness in strengthening air defense infrastructures within European military forces, signaling a significant advancement in regional defense cooperation and capabilities.