Germany is one of the most powerful land forces in the world, and its level of equipment and combat capabilities have always been respected and revered by all countries. However, in the international security situation in recent years, Germany has also faced the challenge of new threats, especially low-altitude targets such as rockets, mortars, drones, cruise missiles and cruise missiles from the air. In response to these threats, Germany decided to introduce a new self-propelled anti-aircraft artillery system, the SkyRanger, in order to strengthen its air defense capabilities and international influence.
C-RAM is an abbreviation for Counter Rocket, Artillery and Mortar, which refers to the air defense system used to counter rockets, mortar shells, and artillery shells. The concept was originally designed to deal with low-cost, high-frequency attack methods used by guerrillas and the world, but as technology developed, its target range expanded to include more advanced air threats such as drones, cruise missiles, and cruise missiles.
The SkyRanger self-propelled anti-aircraft gun is a new type of self-propelled anti-aircraft artillery system designed by Germany according to the C-RAM concept, the main characteristics of which are high mobility, high accuracy, high rate of fire and high lethality. The SkyRanger uses a single-barreled 35 mm gun, which not only reduces the cost and weight of the system compared to the traditional double-barreled design, but also has significant improvements in structure and firing stability. Skyranger's shells use an empty ** warhead, which is capable of detonating in the air and causing lethal damage to low-altitude targets. The SkyRanger is also equipped with an S-band active phased array radar, allowing it to monitor all aspects and ensure 360-degree security. With a range of up to 4 km and a rate of fire of up to 1000 minutes, the Skyranger was able to intercept several targets at the same time, effectively increasing the German air defense.
Germany not only introduced the Skyranger self-propelled anti-aircraft gun for itself, but also planned to use it for support to Ukraine. Ukraine is an important country in Europe, but it is also a country that has suffered from wars and conflicts. Since the outbreak of the Ukraine crisis in 2014, Ukraine has been engaged in a fierce military confrontation with Russia and pro-Russian elements, in which the air threat is an important issue for Ukraine. Russian and pro-Russian elements often use rockets, mortars, drones, and loitering missiles to attack military and civilian targets in Ukraine, causing a large number of human and property losses.
As an important member of the European Union and NATO, Germany has always expressed its support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and has provided various forms of assistance to Ukraine. Germany plans to supply the Skyranger self-propelled anti-aircraft guns to Ukraine to provide more effective protection against air threats it faces. This action not only demonstrates Germany's active participation and responsibility in international affairs, but also demonstrates the friendly relations and strategic cooperation between Germany and Ukraine.
Another important reason for the introduction of the Skyranger self-propelled anti-aircraft gun in Germany was to cope with the scenario of a possible war between the great powers. In a great power war, the air threat comes not only from low-altitude targets, but also from high-altitude targets, such as fighters, bombers, strategic missiles, etc. The speed, altitude, stealth and lethality of these targets far exceed those of low-altitude targets, and the requirements for air defense systems are also higher. In the German air defense system, in addition to the Skyranger self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, there are other air defense systems, such as Patriot missiles, MEADS missiles, Tiger ***, etc., which are capable of intercepting and destroying targets at different heights and distances.
However, in a war of great powers, the key to protecting front-line troops is not only in air defense systems, but also in the capabilities of counter-artillery. Counter-battery refers to the ability to strike and suppress enemy artillery, rocket artillery, mortars and other ground fire. In great power wars, the enemy's artillery systems tend to have high mobility, high accuracy, high rate of fire, and high lethality, posing a huge threat to front-line troops. Therefore, having the ability to counter-battery can effectively weaken the enemy's superiority in firepower and protect one's own forces and facilities.
At this point, Germany's new choice contrasted sharply with the hesitation of the US Army. The U.S. Army has always lacked effective counter-battery capabilities, relying mainly on the M109A7 self-propelled howitzer, but the range, rate of fire and accuracy of this gun are not enough to deal with enemy artillery systems. The US Army had planned to introduce a new counter-battery system, NLOS-C, but this program was eventually canceled due to technical and cost issues. The U.S. Army is currently developing a new long-range artillery system, ERCA, but the system's actual combat capabilities have yet to be verified.
Germany, for its part, adopted a different strategy, and its Skyranger self-propelled anti-aircraft guns were capable of not only intercepting air targets, but also dealing with ground targets, achieving the dual functions of air defense and counter-battery. The shells of the Skyranger self-propelled anti-aircraft guns are capable of delivering pinpoint strikes on enemy artillery systems, inflicting devastating damage on them. The mobility and flexibility of the Skyranger self-propelled anti-aircraft gun also allowed it to be quickly deployed and diverted, avoiding enemy counterattacks. The range and rate of fire of the SkyRanger self-propelled anti-aircraft gun also allow it to form an effective deterrent to enemy artillery systems, forcing the enemy to change the way of deploying and using its fire. Thus, the Skyranger self-propelled anti-aircraft gun opened an important breakthrough for Germany in the war of the great powers, enhancing its counter-battery capabilities.
The German Skyranger self-propelled anti-aircraft gun is not only an update of armaments, but also a positive response to the current international security situation. Its technological innovation, international support, and consideration of major power wars have all made this decision a bright spot in the international military field. With the continuous emergence of new security threats, the replacement of all parties will continue to be the focus of attention.