Rheinmetall to Supply 'Frankenstein' Air Defense Tanks to Ukraine

A leading German arms manufacturer, Rheinmetall, will supply Ukraine with a new "Frankenstein" air defense tank designed to intercept Russian drones and missiles.

This innovative vehicle combines Rheinmetall's advanced Skyranger anti-aircraft system with the hulls of Cold War-era Leopard 1 tanks, significantly enhancing Ukraine's defense capabilities.

In Ukraine's evolving frontline, effective systems capable of countering short-range threats like drone swarms and artillery attacks are increasingly vital.

Bjorn Bernhard, Rheinmetall's head of land systems, stated to a German newspaper Bild: “There are still many Leopard 1 main battle tanks on whose chassis we could mount the Skyranger turret with the 35 mm calibre automatic cannon.”

Ukraine's military has already received nearly a hundred conventionally-configured Leopard 1 tanks. However, Ukrainian leaders have consistently urged for increased assistance of air defenses in light of ongoing Russian attacks that have severely impacted the country's energy sector.

By conducting repairs locally in Ukraine, Rheinmetall aims to expedite the process of returning tanks to operational readiness.

“We are planning for the long term in Ukraine,” said Bernhard. “We’re not just supplying equipment and then withdrawing – we’re showing that we’ll be there permanently and supporting Ukraine.”