Defense Express reported the information.Germany’s leading arms manufacturer, Rheinmetall, is slated to begin the delivery of its cutting-edge Skyranger 35 air defense systems to Ukraine as early as next week. Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger confirmed the timeline, noting that the company has successfully met its deadline to supply the initial units by the end of 2025.The new systems are a strategic hybrid, combining the high-tech Skyranger 35 turret with the hull of the Leopard 1 tank. This retrofitting strategy allows for rapid production; while the anti-aircraft turrets are newly manufactured, the chassis are sourced from existing stocks of tanks that were otherwise unsuitable for frontline combat. This approach not only accelerates delivery but also simplifies logistics for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which already operate Leopard 1 tanks and the conceptually similar Gepard anti-aircraft guns.Often referred to as "Shahed-killers," these units are specifically designed to counter the threat of loitering munitions and swarm drones that have plagued Ukrainian infrastructure. Beyond drones, the Skyranger 35 is capable of intercepting cruise missiles, a capability already proven in combat by its sister system, the Skynex, which is currently in service in Ukraine.While the exact number of units in this initial shipment remains classified, the procurement carries a price tag in the hundreds of millions of euros. Notably, the contract was financed by an unnamed European nation utilizing frozen Russian assets. This delivery marks a significant upgrade to Ukraine’s short-range air defense capabilities as the country continues to fortify its skies against aerial bombardment.