Rheinmetall has secured a major contract from the Romanian government for the supply of Skyranger 35 air defence systems, marking a significant step in strengthening ground-based air defence capabilities on NATO’s eastern flank. The order forms part of a broader €5.7 billion procurement programme that includes combat vehicles, naval systems and integrated air defence solutions.
The contract covers the delivery of 24 Skyranger 35 systems, along with seven Skynex air defence systems and two Millennium Guns for maritime applications. Rheinmetall announced the development in a press release issued on 2 June 2026.
The Skyranger 35 systems will be mounted on the Lynx KF41 tracked platform, combining high mobility with advanced protection and firepower. This integration reinforces Rheinmetall’s position as a leading provider of mobile air defence solutions in Europe.
The acquisition reflects Romania’s continued investment in modernising its armed forces and adopting future-ready technologies to address evolving security challenges. It also highlights the country’s commitment to enhancing NATO’s collective defence posture in response to increasing regional threats.
The Skyranger 35 is designed to counter a wide range of aerial threats at short and very short ranges, including unmanned aerial systems, cruise missiles and low-flying aircraft. Its advanced sensor suite, rapid response capability and high rate of fire provide an effective solution for protecting both military forces and critical infrastructure.
Recent geopolitical developments, including an incident involving an unmanned drone entering Romanian airspace, have underscored the need for highly mobile and responsive very short-range air defence (VSHORAD) systems. The deployment of Skyranger 35 is expected to significantly enhance Romania’s ability to detect, track and neutralise such threats.
Oliver Dürr, Head of Rheinmetall’s Air Defence Division, highlighted the strategic importance of the programme, noting that Romania’s selection of the Skyranger 35 on the Lynx platform represents a key milestone for European air defence cooperation. He emphasised that the system provides an efficient and flexible capability to address modern aerial threats while supporting operational readiness.
This latest contract further strengthens the long-standing partnership between Rheinmetall and Romania, reflecting a shared focus on security, technological advancement and defence cooperation.
The programme also underscores the growing importance of standardisation and interoperability among NATO allies, ensuring that air defence systems can operate seamlessly across multinational forces. As regional security dynamics continue to evolve, investments in integrated and mobile air defence solutions remain critical to maintaining operational effectiveness and collective deterrence.
