Skynex

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]

The Skynex is an evolution of the Skyshield system, with the main differences being network centrism, an open network architecture, designed to use a range of weapons, and a faster addition of new effectors to the system in comparison to the older versions of it.

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

From the beginning of the creation 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
    • Hensoldt TwinVis (passive radar)[3]
  • 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
      • LIG / Rheinmetall C-PGM/ESHORAD missile designed to counter glidebombs[4]

Operators

Current operators

Italy (4)
4 Skynex in a static configuration were ordered in January 2025 to Rheinmetall Italia (1 firm order + 3 in option).[5][6]
Deliveries:
  • the first system delivered in December 2025.[7]
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.[8]
Ukraine (2)
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[9][10][11][12][13]
  • the second Skynex system was delivered by Germany in April 2025[14]

Future operators

Romania (7)
Romania ordered 7 Skynex systems to Rheinmetall Italia SpA in May 2026, the contract is part of a common order with 24 Skyranger 35, and 2 Millenium systems.[15][16]
Each fire unit is equipped with:[17]
  • 6 Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3 (total 42)
  • CN-1 control node
  • Upper echelon command point
Unknown customer (4)
In July 2026, Rheinmetall announced the sale of 4 systems to an international customer.[18]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Skynex – Networked air defence". www.rheinmetall.com. Retrieved 2026-04-08.
  2. 1 2 3 "OERLIKON SKYNEX® AIR DEFENCE SYSTEM" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 August 2025.
  3. ↑ ES&T Redaktion (2026-08-19). "Rheinmetalls Skynex Luftverteidigung erhält neue Fähigkeiten" (in German). Retrieved 2026-08-19.
  4. ↑ "Südkoreanische LIG und Rheinmetall wollen neuen Flugkörper in Luftverteidigungssystem Skynex integrieren" (in German). 2026-06-19. Retrieved 2026-06-19.
  5. ↑ Giansiracusa, Aurelio (2025-01-07). "Firmati i contratti italiani per HIMARS e C-RAM". Ares Osservatorio Difesa (in Italian). Retrieved 2025-01-09.
  6. ↑ "NNbS: Germany's SHORAD Rebuild Is Delivering — Except at the Bottom". Großwald | European Defence Intelligence. 2026-03-23. Retrieved 2026-03-24.
  7. ↑ "Italian army receives Skynex weapon system". Defence Blog – Military and Defense News. 2025-12-23. Retrieved 2025-12-27.
  8. ↑ "Qatar unveils Skynex air defence". Janes Information Services. 14 October 2022. Archived from the original on 15 October 2022.
  9. ↑ Ukraine received Skynex air defense systems. Ukrainian Military Center. 26 April 2023.
  10. ↑ Ukraine has already received Rheinmetall Skynex short-range air defense systems. Mezha.Media. 27 April 2023.
  11. ↑ Germany sends Skynex air defense system, other military aid to Ukraine. Kyiv Independent. 4 January 2024.
  12. ↑ Germany Delivers First Skynex Air Defense System to Ukraine. Army Recognition. 4 January 2024.
  13. ↑ Germany announced new military aid to Ukraine. Euromaidan Press. 4 January 2024.
  14. ↑ York, Chris (April 30, 2024). "Skynex: The German drone destroyer reinforcing Ukraine's air defense". The Kyiv Independent. Retrieved May 4, 2024.
  15. ↑ "24 Flugabwehrsysteme Skyranger 35 für Rumänien bestellt". soldat-und-technik.de (in German). 2026-06-24. Retrieved 2026-06-24.
  16. ↑ "Rumänien beschafft Schützenpanzer und Flugabwehrsysteme von Rheinmetall für fast 5 Milliarden Euro" (in German). 2026-05-30. Retrieved 2026-05-30.
  17. ↑ Mediaș 120 „Business Partner Day”, eveniment organizat de Rheinmetall Automecanica novatv.ro (video) (in Romanian). Nova Tv Mediaș. 21 July 2026. Event occurs at 19:54, 20:00, 20:06 – via YouTube.
  18. ↑ "Rheinmetall gewinnt neuen internationalen Kunden für das Flugabwehrsystem Skynex" (in German). 2026-07-02. Retrieved 2026-07-03.
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