Danish MoD announced that a contract had been signed for German Skyranger 30 SPAAG on GDELS’ PIRANHA 8x8 armoured vehicle.
Following Germany and Hungary, Denmark has ordered the air-burst ammunition-capable Skyranger 30 SPAAG. Germany has opted for the Boxer 8x8 armoured vehicle, while Hungary preferred the tracked KF41 Lynx.
The proliferation of small and low-cost UAVs on the battlefield during the Russo-Ukrainian War has given Germany’s new SPAAG an opening in the European market. An inclination towards SPAAGs capable of firing air-burst ammunition can be observed, stemming from the better efficiency against small targets of air-burst ammunition. Air-burst ammunition, programmed by the fire control system to detonate at a pre-defined time, can be likened to shotguns spreading a salvo of shrapnel in front of the target to maximise the chances of hitting.
Skyranger 30 was developed with the experience gained from the previous Skyranger 35, utilising a 35 mm revolver cannon. Skyranger 30 uses a 30 mm revolver cannon with a fire rate of 1200 RPM, higher than Skyranger 35’s 1000 RPM. However, both SPAAGs can use the AHEAD air-burst ammunition to engage air-to-surface missiles, cruise missiles, aircraft, and UAVs.
Another important difference between Skyranger 30 is the provision for short-range air defence missiles like FIM-92 Stinger and MBDA’s miniature SADM C-UAS missile.
The onboard sensors consist of four AESA radars distributed around the turret and a fire control radar for engagement.
