EU-Funded Air Defense Support for Ukraine
German defense manufacturer Rheinmetall has announced a new delivery of Skyranger 35 air defense systems to Ukraine.
The order, valued at hundreds of millions of euros, will be financed by an EU member state using funds obtained from frozen Russian assets, according to the company’s official press release.
The systems will be built and configured by Rheinmetall’s Rome division, ensuring rapid production and delivery under the company’s accelerated defense supply program.
“We are grateful to Ukraine for the trust it has placed in us,” said Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG.
“We would also like to thank the EU member state for its support, which underlines our ongoing efforts to assist Ukraine.”
Technical Overview: Skyranger 35 on Leopard 1
The Skyranger 35 system combines the mobility and protection of the Leopard 1 tracked vehicle with the precision of a modern gun-based air defense platform.
It is designed to provide short-range protection against drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft — a critical capability for Ukraine’s frontline forces.
Key specifications:
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Gun: 35×228 mm KDG 35/1000 revolver cannon
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Rate of fire: up to 1,000 rounds per minute
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Effective range: up to 4 km
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Compatibility: fully interoperable with the Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3
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Upgradability: capable of integration with guided missile systems for layered defense
This advanced mobile system enables rapid response against UAVs and precision strikes, filling an important tactical gap in Ukraine’s short-range air defense network (SHORAD).
Strategic and Financial Context
The financing mechanism, which uses profits generated from frozen Russian assets, represents one of the first concrete cases of such funds being redirected to support Ukraine’s defense.
This marks a significant step in the EU’s evolving policy to make Russia pay for the damage caused by its aggression.
For Rheinmetall, the deal continues a series of large-scale defense partnerships with Ukraine, including the supply of Leopard 1 tanks, Fuchs armored vehicles, and the establishment of local maintenance hubs for repair and training.
Reinforcing Ukraine’s Air Defense Capabilities
The Skyranger 35 systems will strengthen Ukraine’s layered air defense architecture, complementing Western-supplied systems such as IRIS-T, Gepard, and Patriot.
Their mobility, precision, and cost-efficiency make them particularly suitable for defending critical infrastructure and mobile armored formations against drone and missile threats.
Rheinmetall emphasized that the delivery schedule and system integration will be coordinated with Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense in close cooperation with EU partners.
