2024-02-23 05:06:45
The Federal Army continues to purchase: 36 pieces of the “Skyranger 30” anti-aircraft turret are being purchased, as Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) announced to journalists. Just this week, Tanner also made public the purchase of 225 units of the “Pandur Evolution” wheeled tank. The turret will be mounted on “Pandur” tanks, which can then be used for ground-based anti-aircraft defense. It’s about closing gaps in air defense, said Tanner.
In Europe, the Federal Army sees itself as a pioneer, as Austria is the first country to sign a contract for the system from the Düsseldorf technology group Rheinmetall. Other countries such as Denmark and Hungary are also interested in the tower, and Tanner was convinced that Germany in particular would purchase it relatively quickly.
The towers were tailor-made for Austria and fit on the “Pandur Evolution 6×6,” explained Rheinmetall Air Defense CEO Oliver Dürr. It is now a particularly light version that weighs around three tons. At close range, this provides a mobile option to fend off reconnaissance and attack drones as well as attacking helicopters and aircraft, said Tanner. All equipment required for air defense – radar, optics and armament – is available on the vehicle. For example, the “Mistral 3” anti-aircraft guided missile could be mounted on the tower. If “Skyranger” is attached to the “Pandur”, it can also undertake autonomous air defense missions if necessary. However, the system cannot be loaded into the Embraer C-390 transport aircraft, which will succeed the Hercules.
The Federal Army did not want to communicate the costs for the 36 “Skyranger” turrets, but according to Tanner they are part of the 1.8 billion euro package for the “Pandur” tanks and the construction plan that runs until 2032. A press release from Rheinmetall speaks of an order volume in the mid three-digit million range.
Some of the tanks used for anti-aircraft defense will go to the third fighter brigade and some will be distributed across the entire federal territory. According to the development plan, the air defense system should be completed by 2030, starting in 2027, said Tanner.
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