German defense firm Rheinmetall has been contracted to deliver Skyranger 35 air defense systems mounted on Leopard 1 main battle tank chassis for Ukraine.
The multi-million-euro deal is being financed by an undisclosed EU member state using proceeds from frozen Russian assets.
Production and system integration will be carried out by Rheinmetall Italia at its headquarters in Rome.
No further details about the deal have been disclosed.
“We are grateful for the trust that Ukraine has placed in us,” Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger said.
“We would also like to thank the EU country for the support, which underlines our continued efforts to support Ukraine.”
Skyranger 35
A mobile variant of the Skyshield air defense system, the Skyranger 35 is armed with a KDG 35/1000 revolver cannon in 35 × 228mm caliber with a firing rate of 1,000 rounds per minute.
The system combines the mobility and protection of the Leopard 1 platform with the precision and firepower of a gun-based air defense solution.
It has an effective range of up to 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) and shares a high degree of commonality with the Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk 3.
The system can fire shells in airburst mode, which is effective against threats like the Shahed loitering munitions Ukraine is facing.
An airburst round detonates near the target and disperses a cloud of tungsten sub‑projectiles, significantly increasing hit probability even against small, fast‑moving aerial threats.
It can operate autonomously or be integrated into broader air defense networks to protect both moving and fixed assets.
