Germany’s defense group Rheinmetall plans to supply Ukraine with an additional batch of Skyranger 35 short-range air-defense systems designed to counter unmanned aircraft. According to the company, the delivery will be financed by an EU member state using revenue generated from frozen Russian assets.

Rheinmetall stated that the order covers more Leopard 1-based Skyranger 35 platforms. The value of the contract is described as being in the «three-digit million-euro range." Production and integration work will take place at Rheinmetall Italia SpA facilities in Rome.

The Skyranger 35 is equipped with a 35-millimeter revolver cannon capable of firing up to 1,000 rounds per minute, with an effective engagement range of roughly four kilometers.

On 9 September, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger noted that Ukraine is expected to receive the new Skyranger systems in 2025 and, according to him, will obtain them ahead of the Bundeswehr, which has also placed an order.