Germany has contracted MBDA to develop and supply the DefendAir anti-drone guided missile system for integration with the Skyranger 30 short-range air-defense vehicle.
A funding package worth approximately 490 million euros ($568 million) was earlier approved by the German Parliament’s Budget Committee for the program, with slightly more than two-thirds of the amount reportedly earmarked for the missile’s development and qualification.
Series production is expected in 2029, with deliveries to the German Armed Forces starting in 2030.
The initiative underscores recognition of the increasing threat that small drones pose to ground forces, a challenge highlighted by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The announcement coincides with Berlin’s plans to award a multi-billion-euro order for up to 600 Skyranger systems, marking a major expansion of Germany’s short-range air-defense capability.
“We are enabling the Skyranger 30 air defense system, currently being deployed, to become a comprehensive system for combating unmanned targets,” the German Ministry of Defence stated.
“The use of small and micro drones poses a significant threat to the population, soldiers, weapons systems, and infrastructure in Ukraine and other conflicts.”
Small Anti-Drone Missile
The missile complements the Skyranger’s 30mm KCE-ABM cannon, which fires programmable airburst rounds to defeat drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft.
Skyranger developer Rheinmetall has reportedly already incorporated the required launcher to integrate the DefendAir, also called Small Anti-Drone Missile, into the system’s turret.
Depending on the launch tube configuration, the launcher can accommodate nine to twelve missiles.
Equipped with an advanced seeker and tailored warhead, the missile is intended to counter Class 1 unmanned aerial systems weighing up to 150 kilograms (331 pounds).
Moreover, DefendAir extends the Skyranger’s engagement envelope from 2 to 6 kilometers (1.2 to 3.7 miles).
Combined with the 30mm cannon, the missile package gives a single Skyranger the capability to neutralize as many as 30 drones in one engagement.
Derived from Enforcer Program
The system is derived from MBDA’s proven Enforcer lightweight, shoulder-fired missile program, reducing development risk and ensuring the fastest possible availability.
MBDA will produce the missile at its Schrobenhausen site, generating about 90 percent of its added value in Germany and sourcing some actuators from the UK.
“DefendAir is truly a game-changer in the field of drone defense. With DefendAir, Germany is systematically building state-of-the-art drone defense capabilities – a crucial contribution for Europe and NATO, as well as for closing the capability gap,” Managing Director of MBDA Deutschland Thomas Gottschild said.
“As a contribution to the European Sky Shield Initiative, DefendAir is already generating strong interest from other partner nations.”
