German defence contractor Rheinmetall has secured a major order from Austria for the modernization of its existing Skyguard air defence systems. The order is worth €532 million ($573 million), the company announced in the German city of Dusseldorf on Tuesday. The contract begins next February and has a project term of 48 months, according to the announcement. Rheinmetall’s Skyguard is a short-range air defence system. Among other things, the modernization ordered by the Austrians will upgrade 28 existing 35mm twin guns. The necessary ammunition is also part of the order.