Rheinmetall demonstrates drone defence systems during Finnish Armed Forces GBAD Demo Days 2025

By Martin Chomsky (Defence Industry Europe)

Rheinmetall successfully demonstrated its countermeasures against small unmanned aerial systems during the Ground-based Air Defence Demo Days at the Lohtaja firing range in Finland. Rheinmetall Air Defence AG took part following an invitation from the Inspector of Air Defence of the Finnish Armed Forces.
Photo: Rheinmetall.

Rheinmetall successfully demonstrated its countermeasures against small unmanned aerial systems during the Ground-based Air Defence Demo Days at the Lohtaja firing range in Finland. Rheinmetall Air Defence AG took part following an invitation from the Inspector of Air Defence of the Finnish Armed Forces.

 

Despite challenging climatic conditions in a remote forest area, the company delivered what it described as a powerful and professional demonstration. Threat scenarios ranging from jet drones to small quadcopters, along with close cooperation with organiser XD Solution and the Finnish Armed Forces, highlighted the operational readiness of the systems shown.

 

 

The demonstration focused on the detection, classification and tracking of drones across different airspaces and flight speeds. Central to the presentation was Skyspotter, Rheinmetall’s multi-sensory early warning and reconnaissance system designed to protect critical infrastructure and large areas from drone threats.

Skyspotter features an open architecture allowing the integration of various sensors and effectors, and a rapidly deployable version mounted on a Rheinmetall HX truck was presented with support from Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH. An integrated system combining Skyspotter, dislocated Passive Emitter Locator sensors and a deployable C2 shelter was also demonstrated to ensure effective command and control while protecting operating personnel.

 

 

The system can counter threats using directional jammers, interceptor drones and the Revolver Gun 30mm, which is currently in the conceptual phase and employs programmable KETF kinetic energy ammunition. “The GBAD Demo Days 2025 have impressively highlighted the importance of partnership-based cooperation in the further development of modern air defence capabilities,” said Oliver Dürr, Head of the Electronic Solutions Division, adding thanks to the Finnish Armed Forces, industry partners and Finnish partner Oy Telva for their contribution under realistic conditions.

 

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