German arms maker to supply Ukraine with new mobile air defense systems
Date
6/25/2024 8:16:09 AM
(MENAFN) Rheinmetall, a prominent German arms manufacturer, is reportedly preparing to supply Ukraine with new mobile air defense systems designed to enhance its defense capabilities against Russian drones and missiles. According to Bjorn Bernhard, head of Land Systems at Rheinmetall, the company is advancing development on what has been dubbed as 'Frankenstein tanks' in German media.
In an interview with Bild, Bernhard disclosed that these systems will involve retrofitting the hulls of Cold War-era Leopard 1 tanks with the advanced Skyranger anti-aircraft technology. This adaptation aims to provide robust defense against short-range threats such as drones and artillery projectiles.
The initiative includes establishing a tank repair facility in Western Ukraine, which reportedly began operations in early June. Rheinmetall plans to showcase a similar vehicle based on the Leopard 2 chassis at the Eurosatory 2024 defense industry exhibition in Paris, underscoring their commitment to advancing ground-based air defense capabilities.
According to a press release from Rheinmetall, the development of highly mobile and scalable air defense systems aligns with NATO's strategic priorities in bolstering national and collective defense capabilities. The company's efforts reflect a broader trend among Western defense contractors to innovate and adapt military technologies to meet evolving security challenges.
As Ukraine continues to navigate heightened security threats, Rheinmetall's collaboration underscores efforts to enhance the country's defensive capabilities through technological advancements tailored to address contemporary warfare dynamics. The deployment of these upgraded air defense systems aims to bolster Ukraine's resilience against aerial threats, contributing to regional stability amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
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