Rheinmetall is supplying Ukraine with further Skyranger 35 air defence systems based on the Leopard 1

via Press Release

Rheinmetall is supplying Ukraine with further Skyranger 35 air defence systems based on the Leopard 1. The order is worth a three-digit million Euro figure. The systems are being financed by an EU country through the proceeds from frozen Russian assets. The production and integration of the systems will be carried out by Rheinmetall Italia SpA at its headquarters in Rome.

“We are grateful for the trust that Ukraine has placed in us,” said Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG. “We would also like to thank the EU country, for the support, which underlines our continued efforts to support Ukraine.”

The Leopard 1 Skyranger 35 combines the mobility and protection of a proven tracked vehicle with the outstanding effectiveness of a cannon-based air defence system. The Skyranger 35 is equipped with a KDG 35/1000 revolver cannon in 35 mm x 228 calibre with a firing rate of 1,000 rounds per minute. It has an effective range of up to 4,000 metres and a high degree of commonality with the Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk 3. Thanks to AHEAD technology, the Skyranger 35 is airburst-capable. In the future, it will also be possible to equip it with modern guided missiles.

Two things.

First.  The West is breaking its own financial system.  Seizing another countries assets in this manner is almost guaranteeing other nations, especially those that are outside the EU/US/Pacific umbrella of the West, seek to bank in "other" ways.

I can't help but think that the Chinese belt and road initiative will gain steam and that we're super charging the growing BRIC movement.

It's not fear of warfare, its the financial gamesmanship being played that is making the whole thing so attractive (sorry to say because I support it but I have to wonder if tariffs aren't playing a role in this too...make no mistake I'm all for fair trade but we let so called free trade get too far out of hand before correcting it).

Second.  No one has said it but the idea of the USAF providing "air dominance" has disappeared overnight and no one is saying a thing about it.  The idea that we're looking at the Skyranger on a leopard 1  chassis has me with Sgt York vibes.