German Army to procure Diehl air defense systems

The German Army is reportedly pursuing an interim solution for its air defense capabilities due to significant delivery delays regarding Rheinmetall’s Skyranger system. According to reports citing corporate sources, Diehl is preparing to supply 48 GARMR systems designed for drone hunting to the Bundeswehr.

The procurement includes 24 vehicles equipped with machine guns and 24 vehicles utilizing interceptor drones. These systems use radar to detect drones and can neutralize them via cannons or interceptor drones.

Lieutenant General Christian Freuding, Inspector of the Army, previously indicated that an interim solution is being developed to equip the brigade stationed in Lithuania, which is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2027.

Delays with the Skyranger system are attributed to specific requirements regarding missile integration and the use of a different Boxer armored vehicle chassis variant. A contract for the new chassis, designated ‘B0’, may be finalized in November 2026, with serial production of the Skyranger potentially starting in the second quarter of 2027.