DSEI 2025: Rheinmetall Reveal New Tracked Lynx Skyranger 35
A new tracked variant of the Lynx Skyranger 35 has been revealed at DSEI 2025 by German defence manufacturer Rhinemetall, which adds a Skyranger 35 Air Defence system to the Lynx KF41 Armoured Fighting Vehicle. A Rhinemetall press release details the new variant:
“The Lynx Skyranger 35 combines the mobility and protection of a modern tracked vehicle with the outstanding effectiveness of a cannon-based air defence system. The Skyranger 35 is equipped with a KDG 35/1000 revolver cannon in 35 mm x 228 calibre with a firing rate of 1,000 rounds per minute. It has an effective range of up to 4,000 metres and a high degree of commonality with the Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk 3. Thanks to AHEAD technology, the Skyranger 35 is airburst-capable. This makes the vehicle suitable for mobile accompanying ground-based air defence for heavy armoured formations. In the future, it will also be possible to equip it with modern guided missiles.”
The new vehicle was also displayed alongside a cross-sectioned 35mm x 228 caliber round that the Lynx’s KDG 35/1000 revolving cannon fires. Which was shown off next to a piece of armour plating that showed the penetrative capability of the ammunition. Lynx Skyranger 35 has ballistic protection up to level 4 (STANAG4569) and integrates an onboard 360° AESA search radar alongside a Ku-band tracking radar and a fully stabilized electro-optical sensor unit.
OVD spoke with a Rhinemetall representative who hoped that NATO member nations would adopt the new short-range air defense vehicle, noting renewed need for increased air defense against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has seen greatly increased usage of drones within the battlespace.