The first air defense system Skynex is in Ukraine

With his thanks on It is timely and focuses on Ukraine's priorities, particularly air defense. The delivery was supplemented by an undisclosed number of IRIS-T SLM missiles and two more TRML-4D air surveillance radars and other armaments. “German aid helps to save human lives and restore normal and just peace in Ukraine and throughout Europe more quickly,” Zelensky said.

In the current “List of Military Support Services”, the BMVg has confirmed the delivery and announced another Skynex system. The delivery goes back to a contract from December 2022 (ESuTreported). The manufacturer Rheinmetall had informed at the time that, with an order value of 182 million euros, two Skynex air defense systems were to be delivered at the beginning of 2024, possibly with additional logistics trucks from the HX series for a further 12 million euros.

According to Rheinmetall's description, Skynex is a system with open architecture that relies on cannon-based anti-aircraft defense and is therefore particularly suitable for close-range protection where guided missiles cannot be effective. The programmable 35mm Ahead ammunition developed by the company for this purpose is significantly cheaper than comparable guided missile-based systems. In addition, it is not possible to influence or even deflect the 35mm ammunition using electronic countermeasures after it has been fired. The successes of the 35mm Gepard anti-aircraft tank in Ukraine underline the efficiency with which cannon-based anti-aircraft defense can fend off air targets - especially cruise missiles and drones.

In the Skynex concept, air traffic monitoring and effectors are separated, Rheinmetall continued. Therefore, depending on the mission, the required resources can be connected to the command system. Radar systems from different manufacturers as well as a variety of effectors can be integrated into the system, provided a separate tracking unit is available.

Das Skynex System besteht im Wesentlichen aus der leistungsstarken Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3 mit Trackingradar und dem Qerlikon X-TAR3D Tactical Acquisition Radar, die über das Oerlikon Skymaster Battle Management System geführt werden. Die Teilsysteme sind für die Ukraine auf geländegängigen HX-Lkw mit Wechselladesystem integriert. Durch Integration weiterer Sensoren und Effektoren wie Boden-Luft-Raketen, Mittel zur aktiven und passiven elektronischen Kampfführung sowie zukünftiger Hochenergielaser kann das offene und modulare System zu einem hochwirksamen mehrschichtigen Schutzschild gegen ein breites Spektrum von Luftbedrohungen ausgebaut werden, schreibt Rheinmetall. Es könne damit die notwendige Antwort gegen Sättigungs- und Schwarmangriffe in der Zukunft bieten.

At the manufacturer Rheinmetall Italia, the second Skynex system is nearing completion. Delivery should take place soon.

During his visit to the production facility in Rome in April last year, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that he would purchase additional systems and participate in the joint production of components (ESuTreported)). “We are working on getting more of these effective anti-aircraft systems. They will form a reliable protective shield around our strategic infrastructure facilities,” said Shmyhal.

Gerhard Heiming

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