Ditching the U.S.-made FIM-92 Stinger missiles, Germany will use MBDA SADM C-UAS missiles on its Skyranger 30 gun/missile short-range air defence systems.

Hartpunkt reported that the German Army has preferred the new SADM C-UAS missile instead of the FIM-92 Stinger missile on the Skyranger 30 SPAAGs it ordered. In pace with this sudden change, the contract for SADM’s procurement is booked for the 2025 Fall.

Originally, Skyranger 30s were planned to use FIM-92 Stinger in initial batches as an interim solution.

This change might have been fuelled by both the jump in the use of UAVS, as Germany has ordered 500 FIM-92K missiles in 2024, instead of worries over relations with the U.S.

The Meaning of Change in Missile Type

Skyranger 30 is expected to become a critical component of Germany’s short-range air defence capabilities by combining an airburst-capable 30 mm revolver cannon and short-range air defence missiles.

FIM-92 Stinger missiles are oriented against low-flying fixed and rotary wing aircraft with a range of eight kilometres, and up to four missiles can be carried per Skyranger 30. While the FIM-92K, ordered by Germany, integrates a proximity fuse against UAVS, small and agile types might represent a challenge due to the missile's limited window to catch up.

SADM, as a purpose-built missile against UAVs, is a different story when compared to Stinger. SADM is a development of the Enforcer missile modified for use against UAVs with a booster to allow a range of five kilometres. While SADM has a shorter range compared to FIM-92K, it has some advantages, putting it ahead of traditional MANPADS in countering UAVS.

First of these would be the high capacity for the same reserved space, as nine SADM missiles can be carried by each Skyranger 30. Studies for a 12-missile launcher are also being performed. Secondly, as a slower but still agile missile, SADM with an electro-optical seeker has a better chance at acquiring and shooting down smaller UAVs.

Thus, it can be concluded that Germany wants to increase the pace of its adaptation to the changing battlefield on the bigger picture. This can also be observed by the emergence of joint procurement/development programmes in the EU, with the recently wounded relations with the U.S. being a catalyst.

Author: Kaan Azman

Editor: Özgür Ekşi