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Skynex platform in use in Ukraine

The Skynex is a point-defence system developed by Rheinmetall Air Defence AG (formerly Oerlikon). It has C-RAM and C-UAS capabilities.[1][2]

Design

The Skynex is an evolution of the Skyshield system. The Skynex is an evolution of the Skyshield, with the main differences being network centrism and the network has an open architecture. The open architecture is designed to use a range of weapons, and quickly add to the system new effectors.

Among the effectors that are used with the system are:[1][2]

From the beginning of the system, Rheinmetall Air Defence planned to add future effectors, such as air defence missiles and air defence lasers.[1]

The system is also able to link with older Skyshield and Skyguard air defence systems.[1]

Equipment

The Skynex system is based on:[1][2]

  • Combat management system: Oerlikon Skymaster
  • Sensors:
    • Tactical acquisition radar: Oerlikon X-TAR3D, IFF
    • Oerlikon MSU, a multi-sensor unit with a 3D AESA radar, panoramic EO sensors, IFF, sensor fusion
  • Effectors (currently used):
    • Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3 (it is equipped with its own radar and EO sensor)
    • Twin Gun GDF009 TREO (it is equipped with its own radar and EO sensor, the same as the Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3)
  • Potential effectors:
    • Laser: Oerlikon High Energy Laser
    • Missiles: Oerlikon Skynex – Skynight missile launcher unit, it launches HALCON SkyKnight C-RAM / C-PGM missile

Operators

Current operators

Italy
4 Skynex in a static configuration were ordered in January 2025 to Rheinmetall Italia (1 firm order + 3 in option).[3][4]
Deliveries:
  • the first system delivered in December 2025.[5]
Qatar
In October 2022, the Qatar Emiri Air Defence Forces revealed they had procured the Skynex, a modular air defense architecture centered around the Skymaster battle management system that can link components of the Skyshield. Rheinmetall is believed to have received a contract in October 2019 worth around €210 million (US$204 million) for an unspecified number of Skymasters, radars, and guns including AHEAD programmable air-bursting ammunition that is effective against small targets out to a range of 4 km.
A video released by the Qatari Ministry of Defence showed eight 35 mm Revolver Gun Mk3s and one X-TAR3D target acquisition and tracking radar.[6]
Ukraine
In December 2022, a German government spokesman said that Rheinmetall would provide two Skynex systems to Ukraine as part of assistance during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Valued at approximately €182 million ($192 million), Germany would pay for the cost involved. The Skynex air defense system is based on a concept that keeps airspace surveillance separate from the effectors, only requiring a tracking unit to link a C2 network with different weapons. Each Skynex system comprises four Revolver Gun Mk3 cannons, a CN-1 control node, and an X-TAR3D radar all mounted on HX trucks.
Deliveries:
  • the delivery of the first was announced in January 2024[7][8][9][10][11]
  • the second Skynex system was delivered by Germany in April 2025[12]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e “Skynex – Networked air defence”. www.rheinmetall.com. Retrieved 2026-04-08.
  2. ^ a b c “OERLIKON SKYNEX® AIR DEFENCE SYSTEM” (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 August 2025.
  3. ^ Giansiracusa, Aurelio (2025-01-07). “Firmati i contratti italiani per HIMARS e C-RAM”. Ares Osservatorio Difesa (in Italian). Retrieved 2025-01-09.
  4. ^ “NNbS: Germany’s SHORAD Rebuild Is Delivering — Except at the Bottom”. Großwald | European Defence Intelligence. 2026-03-23. Retrieved 2026-03-24.
  5. ^ “Italian army receives Skynex weapon system”. Defence Blog – Military and Defense News. 2025-12-23. Retrieved 2025-12-27.
  6. ^ “Qatar unveils Skynex air defence”. Janes Information Services. 14 October 2022. Archived from the original on 15 October 2022.
  7. ^ Ukraine received Skynex air defense systems. Ukrainian Military Center. 26 April 2023.
  8. ^ Ukraine has already received Rheinmetall Skynex short-range air defense systems. Mezha.Media. 27 April 2023.
  9. ^ Germany sends Skynex air defense system, other military aid to Ukraine. Kyiv Independent. 4 January 2024.
  10. ^ Germany Delivers First Skynex Air Defense System to Ukraine. Army Recognition. 4 January 2024.
  11. ^ Germany announced new military aid to Ukraine. Euromaidan Press. 4 January 2024.
  12. ^ York, Chris (April 30, 2024). “Skynex: The German drone destroyer reinforcing Ukraine’s air defense”. The Kyiv Independent. Retrieved May 4, 2024.