Armed Forces of Ukraine receive second Skynex air defence systems from Germany

By Defence Industry Europe

On April 29, the German government announced that it had delivered the second Skynex air defense system to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

 

The Skynex system, noted for its efficiency in countering drone saturation and swarm attacks, adds a substantial layer of protection for the Ukrainian forces. This delivery follows an initial contribution made in December 2023, when Germany provided the first Skynex system alongside necessary ammunition to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

 

 

Back in December 2022, Rheinmetall, a major player in the German defence industry, secured a contract worth EUR 182 million to supply two Skynex systems to Ukraine. The recent delivery marks the fulfillment of this contract, with the final system slated for handover in the near future.

 

 

Skynex is particularly suited for short-range defence scenarios where guided missiles are less effective. It utilizes 35mm Ahead ammunition, designed by Rheinmetall, which is cost-efficient compared to missile systems and resistant to electronic jamming. The effectiveness of similar 35mm gun-based defences has been demonstrated in Ukraine, notably through the successful deployment of the “Flakpanzer” Gepard antiaircraft system, which has proven pivotal against cruise missiles and drones.

 

 

A distinctive feature of the Skynex system is its modular design, which separates airspace surveillance from its effectors, enhancing flexibility and integration capabilities with various radar and air defence weapons. This system architecture allows for the integration of existing defence units like the Skyshield and Skyguard systems into a new command-and-control network. In the field, a remotely located command center depicts the air situation, streamlining the process of target allocation among the connected defence assets.

 

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