Germany has revealed a new program to develop and acquire MBDA’s counter-small-drone missile for the Skyranger 30 short-range air defense vehicle.
MBDA Germany has been awarded the contract to produce the Small Anti-Drone Missile (SADM), officially named DefendAir.
The Bundestag’s Budget Committee previously authorized roughly 490 million euros ($568 million) for the effort, designating over two-thirds for development and qualification. Mass production is planned for 2029, with deliveries to begin in 2030.
The initiative addresses the escalating threat posed by small drones to ground forces—a danger highlighted throughout the war in Ukraine—and aligns with Germany’s intention to procure up to 600 Skyranger units in a multibillion-euro expansion of its air-defense network.
About the Small Anti-Drone Missile
DefendAir supplements the Skyranger’s 30mm KCE-ABM cannon, which uses programmable airburst munitions to counter drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft. Rheinmetall has already integrated the compatible missile launcher within the system.
Depending on the tube arrangement, the launcher can deploy between nine and twelve missiles. Featuring an advanced seeker and specialized warhead, the system is designed to defeat Class 1 UAVs weighing up to 150 kilograms (331 pounds), extending the Skyranger’s engagement range from 2 to 6 kilometers (1.24 to 3.72 miles).
In combination with the cannon, the missile loadout enables a single Skyranger to neutralize up to 30 drones in a single mission.
The design leverages MBDA’s existing Enforcer shoulder-fired missile technology, minimizing development risk and enabling quicker deployment.
MBDA will manufacture the missile at its Schrobenhausen site, producing roughly 90 percent of the value domestically while sourcing select actuator components from the UK.
