The Netherlands is set to enhance its military capabilities with the planned acquisition of 22 mobile anti-drone gun systems, a move announced by State Secretary Gijs Tuinman. This initiative aims to bolster the protection of heavy and medium infantry brigades against aerial threats including drones, helicopters, and other airborne adversaries. The Dutch Ministry of Defence has allocated a budget of 1.3 billion euros (approximately $1.35 billion) for this procurement.
The armament of choice is Rheinmetall’s Skyranger 30, a sophisticated system that features both surface-to-air missiles and a rapid-fire cannon capable of delivering up to 1,250 rounds per minute. This enables the Skyranger to effectively counter a range of aerial threats. The gun systems will be mounted on tracked Armoured Combat Support Vehicles provided by the German company Flensburger Fahrzeugbau, which are also being acquired for the military’s medium- and short-range air defense initiatives.
Tuinman expressed the urgency of strengthening defenses against air-based threats, stating, “We must be better prepared for enemy drones, helicopters, and other threats from the air. Therefore, we are acquiring 22 mobile anti-drone gun systems. This will protect our own troops, enhance combat capability, and contribute to NATO needs.”
The contract for the anti-drone systems is expected to be finalized within the first half of 2025, with delivery projected by 2028. Once operational, the systems will be deployed to the Defence Ground-based Air Defence Command, which is located at the Lieutenant-General Best Barracks in Vredepeel, in the southeast of the Netherlands.
This strategic acquisition comes in response to the increasing prevalence and sophistication of drone warfare, evidenced by conflicts such as the ongoing war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East. By adopting the Skyranger system, the Netherlands is not only enhancing its own defense capabilities but is also ensuring interoperability with neighboring European nations that utilize the same technology, including Austria, Denmark, and Germany.
The acquisition aligns with the Netherlands’ commitments to NATO and reflects a broader push for improved collective defense strategies within Europe. As Tuinman remarked, the introduction of this advanced weapon system will safeguard troops and maintain critical combat readiness in the face of evolving aerial threats.
