Slovenia’s Valhalla Unveils New Skythunder Anti-Drone System

Slovenian defense manufacturer Valhalla Turrets has revealed a new configuration of its Skythunder short-range air defense system, combining a 20 mm three-barrel Gatling cannon with 70 mm laser-guided rockets for counter-drone operations and critical infrastructure protection.

Announced in mid-October 2026, the proposed configuration features the M197 rotary cannon, which is also used on the U.S. Marine Corps' AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter. Company-released renderings show the system mounted on a six-wheeled military truck resembling the Oshkosh FMTV platform used by the U.S. Army.

Valhalla describes the configuration as a mobile, modular counter-unmanned aircraft system designed to engage drones and other low-altitude threats at different distances. The company has not announced a customer, production schedule or confirmed delivery contract for the new variant.

Gatling Cannon and Guided Rockets for Layered Defense

The new Skythunder configuration combines two types of kinetic weapons intended to address different aerial threats.

Its M197 20 mm cannon uses three rotating barrels to deliver rapid bursts of fire against nearby targets, while 70 mm laser-guided rockets provide an additional engagement option beyond the cannon's effective range.

The company says the system is designed around sensor-driven target acquisition and tracking, with planned 360-degree radar coverage and the ability to integrate with broader air defense networks.

The proposed combination allows operators to select different weapons depending on the target and engagement conditions. However, Valhalla has not published independently verified performance data for the new configuration, including engagement range, detection distance or interception success rates.

Company renderings illustrate the proposed integration but do not establish that the complete vehicle-mounted configuration has entered operational service.

New Variant Builds on Skythunder 300

The announcement follows Valhalla Turrets' presentation of the Skythunder 300 at the Eurosatory 2026 defense exhibition in Paris in June.

The earlier system was displayed on a Mercedes-Benz Zetros 8×8 truck and incorporated a Northrop Grumman MK44S Bushmaster 30 mm cannon, an independent remote-controlled weapon station with a Dillon Aero M134D 7.62 mm Gatling gun, and 70 mm laser-guided rockets supplied by Arnold Defense.

Compared with that configuration, the newly presented design replaces the main 30 mm cannon with a 20 mm M197 rotary cannon and adopts a different vehicle arrangement.

The changes demonstrate the manufacturer's approach to configuring its remote-controlled weapon systems around different weapons and vehicle platforms. Whether the new design will offer a lower acquisition cost has not been established through published pricing information.

Slovenian Manufacturer Expands Counter-Drone Portfolio

Based in Komenda, Slovenia, Valhalla Turrets develops remote-controlled weapon stations and armored vehicle turret systems.

Its portfolio includes the MANGART 25 and MANGART 30 weapon stations, alongside the Skythunder family of air defense systems.

In May 2026, the company presented the MANGART 25 AD configuration on a Patria 8×8 armored vehicle. Valhalla technology has also been integrated into other military vehicle programs, including an ASCOD tracked combat vehicle demonstrated by General Dynamics European Land Systems.

The latest Skythunder design extends the company's counter-drone portfolio with another gun-and-rocket configuration. Further information on prototype testing, production readiness and prospective customers has not yet been disclosed.