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Ukraine - Skynex

Rheinmetall announced on 09 December 2022 that is supplying an international customer with two Skynex air defence systems. According to information given to Handelsblatt, the two systems are meant for Ukraine. They will be delivered in 2024. The German government is reported to be footing the $192 million deal. The Skynex system can shoot down drones and cruise missiles at close range, and is up to 99% cheaper than conventional air defense missiles.

The main advantage of Skynex lies in the relative cheapness of ammunition when compared with air defense systems using guided missiles, such as NASAMS or Avenger. In addition, Skynex ammunition is not subject to electronic countermeasures during the shot. Such characteristics make Skynex ideal for combating drones, the cost of which is several times higher than the cost of guided missiles in the previously named air defense systems.

Skynex air defense systems are particularly well-suited for short-range contexts where guided missiles are ineffective, says Rheinmetall. The system uses programmable 35mm Ahead ammunition developed by Rheinmetall, which is less expensive than comparable guided missile-based systems. Additionally, 35mm ammunition is less vulnerable to electronic countermeasures when fired. The success of the Flakpanzer Gepard antiaircraft system in Ukraine highlights the effectiveness of 35mm gun-based air defense against aerial threats, including cruise missiles and drones. One of the advantages of Skynex is the relative cheapness of ammunition. For example, shooting down a plane using Skynex costs about 4,000 euros.

The Skynex system also enables the integration of radar equipment from various manufacturers. This means that air defense systems like the Skyshield and Skyguard families can now be built into the new architecture as fire units, allowing for a more seamless and effective air defense system. The integration of radar equipment from different manufacturers also allows for greater flexibility and customization in the deployment of air defense systems.

The Skynex is technically comparable to the German Gepard anti-aircraft gun, as they both use 35mm ammo. The Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3 is the main weapon of the Skynex. The firing range is 4000 meters, and the rate is 1000 rounds per minute. The gun uses Ahead programmable ammunition with 152 or 600 submunitions.

The Oerlikon Gun Mk3 is a high-tech weapon that is compatible with 3D and 2D search radars. Tracking and hitting the target is calculated and performed automatically by the built-in fire control processor. Control and verification of the effectiveness of actions is carried out in a remote control center. The manufacturer also notes that the gun is all-weather and capable of operating as a C-RAM anti-aircraft system. The complex can contain up to four Oerlikon Mk3 guns.

The Skynex system is compatible with other Oerlikon equipment: the Oerlikon X-TAR3D Tactical 3D tactical acquisition radar, the Oerlikon GDF009 TREO 35mm twin cannon, the Oerlikon laser cannon and the new Denel Cheetah C-RAM missile (Counter-Rocket, Artiller). The Oerlikon Skymaster Battle Management System is the control node and central part of the system. It allows remote control of the system.

The target detection range of Skynex is 30-50 km. The system exists in a stationary and mobile version with a wheeled chassis. Rheinmetall reports that an agreement has been signed with Skynex for the supply of HX trucks, so a mobile version of the system is most likely being prepared. Skynex will be transferred to Ukraine based on a 6 × 6 truck with a crew cab in front and Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3 weapons installed in the rear of the chassis.