Ukraine will receive a tank that can shoot down Russian missiles and drones: mass media
The German defense company Rheinmetall announced the transfer to Ukraine of the latest Frankenstein tanks, specially designed to counter air threats. Based on Leopard 1 tanks, these combat vehicles are equipped with the advanced Skyranger anti-aircraft system, capable of automatically detecting, tracking and destroying enemy drones and missiles.
About this informs the British edition of The Telegraph.
The Skyranger has a unique radar with a full 360-degree view, which makes it highly effective against mass drone attacks and artillery barrages. If necessary, the tank can be additionally equipped with launchers for anti-aircraft missiles, which will significantly expand its capabilities in countering complex air targets.
Bjorn Bernhard, head of Rheinmetall’s ground systems division, emphasized the advantages of “Frankenstein” compared to other anti-aircraft systems: better off-road capability and the ability to operate close to the front line. This will allow Ukraine to effectively use these tanks to protect its troops and infrastructure from enemy air attacks.
But Ukrainian leaders have repeatedly called for more support in the form of air defenses in the face of constant Russian drone attacks that have devastated the country’s energy sector, causing significant damage to infrastructure and civilians.
Also, the head of Rheinmetall’s ground systems department noted that there are a significant number of Leopard 1 tanks that can be used as a platform for installing the Skyranger anti-aircraft system with a 35-mm automatic gun.
Integrating the Skyranger on the Leopard 1 chassis will provide a number of benefits, including increased gun and missile ammunition, improved off-road capability and the ability to be deployed close to the front line.
In addition, such modernization will allow installing additional equipment for detecting and tracking targets, as well as increasing the number of missiles ready for launch.
The Skyranger 35 is an advanced mobile anti-aircraft system designed to defend against a variety of aerial threats such as drones, helicopters and cruise missiles.
The main armament of the Skyranger 35 is the 35 mm Oerlikon Revolver Gun, which provides high rate of fire and accuracy. The system is equipped with modern sensors and radars that allow automatic detection, tracking and hitting of targets.
Thanks to the possibility of installation on various mobile platforms, the Skyranger 35 is characterized by high maneuverability and rapidity of deployment. The complex is integrated with fire control systems and can work as part of a single air defense network, providing multi-level protection.
