The Ukrainian Air Force has publicly showcased the Skynex air defense system, the latest addition to its military capabilities.
This German-made system, developed by Rheinmetall, was delivered to Ukraine earlier this year, following a procurement by the German government.
Skynex offers robust protection against various aerial threats, including missiles, drones, aircraft, and helicopters. The system features a 35mm cannon that fires programmable Ahead ammunition, making it highly effective at close range.
Rheinmetall announced last year that the first two Skynex systems would be delivered to an international customer in early 2024. According to Handelsblatt, the customer was Ukraine, facilitated by the German government’s initiative.
Oerlikon Revolver Gun” Mk3, which is a component of the German “Skynex” Air Defence System in the video dedicated to the day of the Ukrainian Air Force. https://t.co/sR0hj0OAzE pic.twitter.com/Asj4jViKhu
— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) August 4, 2024
Skynex is an evolution of Rheinmetall’s Skyguard system, already in use by 60 countries. It includes a 31-mile-range radar, a command post, and four guns equipped with electro-optical sensors and tracking radar. These guns can fire 1,000 rounds per minute, targeting threats up to 2.5 miles away.
A notable advantage of Skynex is its cost-efficiency. While the cost of a single IRIS-T missile ranges between 300,000 and 500,000 euros, intercepting a target with Skynex costs approximately 4,000 euros. The system itself is valued at $90.5 million.
In addition to its cost benefits, Skynex is capable of neutralizing not only kamikaze drones but also cruise missiles. Its integration allows it to receive target information from a unified command center, making it a vital element of a comprehensive air defense system.