Germany delays development of new air defence system by a year
The development of the LVS NNbS short- and very short-range air defence system for the Bundeswehr is at least a year behind schedule. The main problems are related to the production of the new platform and the integration of weapons.
Here's What We Know
The LVS NNbS system will consist of three elements: the Skyranger air defence missile and gun system, the IRIS-T SLS air defence system and the command and control centre, all based on the Boxer armoured vehicle. The first delays are related to the development of the new Boxer B0 chassis, which is to replace the originally planned C0 platform. This change is due to the need to unify the platform and increase payload.
According to the Federal Office for Research and Development, technical risks remain low, but the development of the new base will take additional time. This has also affected the integration of new small anti-drone missiles from MBDA Germany, which will be installed on the Skyranger.
Skyranger 30 short-range air defence system with SADM missile. Illustration: Hartpunkt
Currently, the projected delay in Skyranger delivery is five months, which is less than the previous estimate of 18 months. The delay is to be compensated for by a large-scale rollout of B0 production by Rheinmetall.
At the same time, other components of the complex - IRIS-T SLS and the command post - are about 12 months behind. For these, only development contracts have been signed so far, without a final order for serial production.
Source: Defence Network
