The Skynex system, developed by Rheinmetall Air Defence, consists of four 35mm gun mounts, a control post, and a radar station for target detection. Each gun mount is equipped with its own radar station combined with an optical system, which enhances accuracy against small-sized targets.
For the first time, the Air Command West has shown us footage of a camouflaged and dismounted Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3 as part of the two Skynex air defence systems Germany has supplied to #Ukraine.
Additional released imagery as part of the 20th anniversary of the Ukrainian… pic.twitter.com/zZtfb0PMpK
— German Aid to Ukraine (@deaidua) August 4, 2024
Amid ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks, Ukraine has been requesting all available air defense systems from its allies. The Skynex system, introduced by Rheinmetall in 2021, is one of the latest and most advanced systems to be deployed by Ukraine.
The primary role of the Skynex system is object air defense, focusing on protecting airfields and critical infrastructure due to its stationary nature. The radar is responsible for initial target detection and gun guidance, ensuring comprehensive defense coverage.
In 2022, Rheinmetall announced the production of two Skynex batteries for an unnamed European country, with funding requested from the German Federal Government. Later, sources revealed that these two air defense system batteries, valued at €182 million, were intended for Ukraine.
The delivery of these Skynex systems was included in a military aid package from the German government, which Ukraine received in early 2024.
