Rheinmetall introduces Skyranger 30 with high-energy laser

Rheinmetall announced in a press release on 4 February that it has introduced a Skyranger 30 system with a high-energy laser (HEL). Skyranger 30 HEL autonomously monitors airspace and simultaneously selects the best effector to engage a target: its 30 mm automatic cannon, guided missiles, or HEL.

Skyranger 30 HEL can be mounted on 6×6 wheeled or tracked vehicles such as the Boxer and Lynx KF41. The HEL’s laser source and guidance system are integrated into the vehicle, with the laser weapon station and electro-optical sensors mounted in the turret, along with the missiles and 30 mm KCE revolver gun. The gun has a rate of fire of 1,200 rds/min, with programmable time-delay ammunition enhancing the probability of hitting even the smallest aerial targets, according to Rheinmetall.

Skyranger 30 HEL made its public debut in 2021 during a counter-unmanned aerial vehicle event held by Swiss procurement agency armasuisse in Bure. Rheinmetall said current laser systems have a power output of 20 kW, with up to 50 kW planned for the first realisation phase, and the technology able to achieve 100 kW.