Rheinmetall Skynex short-range air defense systems have already been put on combat duty in Ukraine. It was announced by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal during a visit to Italy and to Rheinmetall Italia S.p.A.

“We need such an effective weapon to protect against the drones that Russia is using to attack Ukraine. This will save dozens of lives and important infrastructure for millions of people,” Denys Shmyhal is convinced.

Currently, such systems are already on combat duty in Ukraine. The Prime Minister thanked the partners for their support. This is interesting, because according to information that was available earlier, two Rheinmetall Skynex air defense batteries, the purchase of which was financed by the German government (contract value €182 million), were to arrive in Ukraine only at the beginning of 2024.

Each Skynex battery consists of four 35mm Revolver Gun Mk3 automatic guns, a CN-1 control unit and an X-TAR3D radar. All six modules are mounted on a Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV HX) 6×6 chassis.

The 35mm Revolver Gun Mk3 (formerly Oerlikon Mk3) has an effective range of 4,000m and a rate of fire of up to 1,000 rounds per minute and can use AHEAD remote detonation ammunition.

Rheinmetall Skynex can be used as C-RAM systems, i.e. for protection against drones, missiles and projectiles.

“We are expanding the horizons of cooperation between Ukraine and Italy in the field of defense industry. We are considering the possibility of joint production of components of these systems. We are working on having more such effective air defense systems. They will create a reliable shield around our strategic infrastructure facilities,” said Denys Shmyhal.