Rheinmetall to Produce Skyranger Air Defense System for Hungary’s Lynx IFV

Germany’s Rheinmetall has clinched a €30 million contract with Hungary for the production of its Skyranger 30 air defense system, tailored for integration into the Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicle.

The agreement was formalized in Budapest, marking a strategic response to evolving threat scenarios in the region.

The Skyranger 30 turret, a customized development, will serve as the core of the future Lynx Skyranger 30 anti-aircraft tank. The Skyranger 30 system is designed to address contemporary challenges such as countering ballistic missiles, drone attacks and other aerial threats. With a focus on mobility, survivability, flexibility, and accuracy, the Lynx Skyranger 30 aims to offer an effective and versatile air defense capability in short and very short ranges.

The contract is part of Rheinmetall's commitment to the Hungarian Defense Forces, which previously included the purchase of approximately 218 Rheinmetall Lynx KF41 combat vehicles. These Lynx vehicles, except for the first 46 units, will be produced in Hungary, promoting capacity expansion for Rheinmetall's Hungarian subsidiaries.

This development aligns with the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), a collaborative effort to enhance Europe’s air defense capabilities. ESSI focuses on the joint procurement, deployment, and maintenance of hardware, including radar systems, automatic cannons, and surface-to-air missiles, with the goal of bolstering Europe’s ability to defend against air attacks in the coming years.