Germany’s Bundeswehr is preparing to acquire 48 GARMR counter-drone systems from Diehl as an interim capability while deliveries of Rheinmetall’s Skyranger short-range air-defence system face delays. Separately, the procurement office BAAINBw has ordered six TYTAN Drone Defender 2 C2-Van systems under the SMoK3D programme to protect mobile forces from unmanned aircraft, with the first capability intended for forward formations including troops in Lithuania.
The planned Diehl package comprises 24 systems armed with a machine cannon and 24 equipped with interceptor drones, according to Handelsblatt, citing company sources. GARMR uses radar to detect drones and can engage them with cannon fire or interceptor aircraft. It is more readily relocatable than the heavily armoured Skyranger, but provides a less protected platform. The Diehl quantity and contract status have not been formally disclosed and remain separate from the documented TYTAN order.
BAAINBw’s procurement notice on the European TED platform identifies the TYTAN vehicles as Drone Defender 2 TYTAN C2-Vans based on long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz G 350 d vehicles. Developed by Munich-based TYTAN Technologies with Mercedes-Benz, the system combines a modular launch container with a Robin Radar IRIS radar on an extendable mast and interceptor drones, including the Metis and EOS types. Contract value, delivery dates and the detailed configuration of the six vehicles remain undisclosed.
The acquisitions support Germany’s effort to rebuild ground-based air defence for the Army. The 45th Panzer Brigade, which is stationed in Lithuania, is expected to be among the early formations requiring the interim capability while the Bundeswehr continues to wait for Skyranger.