In a move to enhance its defense capabilities, the Austrian Ministry of Defence has placed an order for the new Skyranger 30 air defense systems.
Under the terms of the contract, the Austrian army is set to receive the Skyranger 30 air defense modules starting in 2026. Similar to the arrangement with Germany, Austria will be equipped with modules featuring a 30-mm Swiss Oerlikon KCA gun with an impressive rate of fire of 1,200 rounds per minute. Additionally, the systems can be configured with a launcher for two FIM-92 Stinger or Mistral missiles. The Austrian army is slated to receive a total of 36 Skyranger 30 anti-aircraft self-propelled guns, which will be mounted on Austrian Pandur EVO armored vehicles.
Manufactured in Austria by GDELS, the Pandur EVO armored vehicles will be integrated with the new Skyranger 30 modules. This integration ensures seamless operation and compatibility between the vehicles and the air defense systems.
In a related development, on February 21, 2024, the Austrian Ministry of Defense placed an additional order for the production of Pandur armored vehicles in the 6×6 Evolution version. The ground forces are set to receive 225 Pandur 6×6 Evolution armored personnel carriers, including variants such as ambulance, communications, self-propelled 120-mm mortar, air defense maintenance vehicle, electronic warfare vehicle, and 36 vehicles in the Skyranger 30 version. This order highlights Austria’s commitment to modernizing its armed forces and enhancing its operational capabilities.
It is worth noting that Austria’s decision to acquire the Skyranger 30 air defense systems comes shortly after Germany’s procurement of the same systems. The Bundestag’s budget committee recently approved the purchase of Skyranger 30 air defense systems for the German Ground Forces, further emphasizing the importance of these systems in modern defense strategies.
The total cost of Austria’s initial order is estimated at EUR 650 million, covering 19 Skyranger 30 anti-aircraft systems based on the Boxer armored vehicle. These new systems are expected to significantly bolster Austria’s air defense capabilities, serving as a qualitative addition to its existing arsenal and indirectly replacing the aging Gepard self-propelled air defense systems.
The acquisition of the Skyranger 30 air defense systems underscores Austria’s commitment to maintaining a strong and modern defense force, capable of responding to evolving security challenges.
(Source: Militarnyi
