The MANTIS system is intended to detect, track and shoot down incoming projectiles before they can reach their target within very close range.

The guns fire programmable AHEAD ammunition, developed by Rheinmetall Weapons and Munitions - Switzerland (formerly Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec).

The MANTIS radar can acquire a target within two seconds, then engage it with one of the guns firing a 36-round burst.

In a follow-on contract, worth around €13.4 million, Rheinmetall would also deliver the corresponding ammunition to the Bundeswehr.

[4] On 7 February 2023, Germany announced it would be donating the two MANTIS systems to Slovakia to strengthen Slovak air defences permanently.