FMI and the Danish Defense Command have decided that the Army's new mobile air defense system will be based on the modern and powerful Skyranger turret from Rheinmetall. The Skyranger turret is equipped with a powerful 30mm automatic cannon and anti-aircraft missiles, of a type that will be decided shortly. The acquisition is part of the current defense settlement.
The Ministry of Defence's Material and Procurement Agency (FMI), in collaboration with the Defense Command (FKO), including the Army's professional experts from the Danish Artillery Regiment, has chosen the German company Rheinmetall's Skyranger turret for the Army's new air defense system.
The turret’s 30mm automatic cannon is a high-velocity gun which, together with the missile system, can combat airplanes, helicopters and drones.
The selection has thus been taken of the latest experiences from the war in Ukraine. Further analysis which will lead to the selection of anti-aircraft missiles to be mounted on the turret is continuing.
The exact design of the Danish turrets has not yet been determined, which is why they may differ from existing models.
The Danish Skyranger turrets will be mounted on the Army’s Piranha 5 armored personnel carriers, as this vehicle is standard in the Army and meets requirements for mobility and protection.
The overall air defense system will also include search radars, fire control centers and communication systems. The Danish company Terma is responsible for integrating all the mentioned elements into an integrated air defense system and delivering this to the Army.
The head of FMI, Lieutenant General Kim Jesper Jørgensen, says in connection with the choice of Skyranger: “I am pleased that with the choice of the Skyranger we are acquiring the most modern air defense system for the Army. At the same time, other countries, including Germany, want to acquire the Skyranger, so we will be able to cooperate with other countries on training, ammunition, spare parts and continuous updates of the system. The next step is to select the anti-aircraft missile to be included in the system."
The choice of the new turret and the new automatic cannon was made on the basis of the Army's operational requirements for an air defense capability. The Skyranger system consists of the cannon, a missile system and a fire control system. These three elements are integrated into an armored turret, which is mounted on the Piranha 5 armored personnel carriers.
The market analysis carried out by FMI shows that the Skyranger with 30mm automatic cannon is the system that can best deliver a solution that meets FKO's operational requirements and meets NATO's requirements in the area.
Therefore, FMI has today issued an order allowing it to negotiate directly with Rheinmetall, and direct award a contract for this acquisition. For the next 10 days, there will be what is called a stand still period, which means that FMI cannot officially sign an agreement with the German company. The acquisition takes place as part of the current defense agreement 2018-2023.
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