These are so-called Combat Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems. These are mobile systems, specifically designed to combat small unmanned systems like drones. This is to protect, in particular, the (medium) heavy brigades of the army.
The weapon systems are equipped with multiple sensors and weapons. To find and track targets, the system uses radars, cameras, and lasers. Furthermore, the system is equipped with a 30mm rapid-fire cannon for combating drones, aircraft, and helicopters. This cannon can fire up to 1,250 rounds per minute. Additionally, the system has air defense missiles so that targets can also be engaged at greater distances.
Off the shelf
Defence is largely buying off the shelf. The military organization chooses the cannon system Skyranger 30 from the German company Rheinmetall. The tracked vehicle on which the Skyranger is mounted is also of German origin. It concerns Armoured Combat Support Vehicles (ACSV) from Flensburger Fahrzeugbau.
Defence is also purchasing the same armored vehicles for another project. This involves the replacement of medium and short-range air defense (MRAD and SHORAD). For the delivery of these air defense systems, Defence already signed a contract last year. This way, Defence is building a so-called layered air defense system, allowing various weapon systems to be deployed in conjunction but also individually.
Importance
The ongoing war in Ukraine and developments in the Middle East highlight the increasing importance of drones on the battlefield. This automatically underscores the need for capacity to combat these unmanned systems.
State Secretary Tuinman (Defence): “We need to be better prepared now and in the future against hostile drones and other threats from the air. With the arrival of this new weapon system, we protect our troops and ensure the necessary combat power. This also aligns with the needs of NATO.”
125 jobs
The new capacity will be integrated into the Defence Ground-Based Air Defence Command (DGLC). Therefore, Defence will expand by about 125 jobs in the coming years. The DGLC is stationed at the Lieutenant General Best Barracks in Vredepeel.
Cooperation
The Netherlands is not the only European country working with the Skyranger. Denmark, Germany, and Austria have also acquired the system. Other European partners are working with similar systems. This enhances mutual cooperation and interoperability.