Rheinmetall has signed a contract to supply 20 Skyranger 30 air defense systems to the Belgian Armed Forces. Following negotiations that began in June 2025, this agreement encompasses systems to be integrated into vehicle platforms equipped with hooklift loading systems. Configured for stationary and deployable use, these solutions aim to protect Belgian territory and critical infrastructure against air threats. The contract value is reported to be in the hundreds of millions of euros range, with deliveries scheduled to commence from the end of 2028.

Rheinmetall is a Germany-based defense contractor with a significant position in the global defense market. The company specializes in radar systems, air defense solutions, and electronic warfare technologies. The Rheinmetall Air Defence division leads in the development and production of low and medium-altitude air defense systems. The company's product portfolio includes systems that comply with NATO standards and are preferred by numerous allied nations. Its corporate structure and technological infrastructure establish it as a reliable partner for long-term defense projects.

The Skyranger 30 system is an air defense platform equipped with a 30-millimeter automatic cannon and radar-based target tracking capabilities. The system is designed to effectively counter modern air threats such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and low-altitude aircraft. Radar integration enables the system to operate effectively during night and adverse weather conditions. The modular design of Skyranger 30 allows integration into various platform and vehicle types. The system is characterized by rapid response time and high rate of fire.

The strengthening of Belgium's air defense capabilities holds significance within the context of NATO's increased presence in Eastern Europe. The country has increased defense spending and accelerated procurement programs following the Ukraine crisis. The Skyranger 30 systems will be integrated into Belgium's "Blue Dome" program command and control architecture. This integration will establish a coordinated air defense network against UAV threats. The system's addition to the Belgian military will reinforce the country's commitment to NATO alliance obligations.

The partnership between Rheinmetall and Belgium spans more than 50 years. In 1975, operating under the name Oerlikon Contraves, Rheinmetall supplied 36 Gepard low-altitude mobile air defense systems to the Belgian Armed Forces in partnership with Krauss-Maffei. Gepard systems formed the foundation of Belgium's air defense capabilities for decades. Globally, Rheinmetall systems are compared with equivalent platforms such as Patriot, NASAMS, and Iron Dome, with particular preference given to their mobile deployment and rapid response capabilities. The new contract represents the continuation and strengthening of this long-standing partnership.