The Oerlikon Skynex is an advanced short-range air defence system designed to offer effective, layered protection against various aerial threats.
Developed by the German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall, Skynex is based on the concept of separating air traffic control from the effectors.
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In July 2024, Rheinmetall announced a memorandum of understanding with Ukraine to enhance strategic cooperation.
As part of the deal, Rheinmetall is providing substantial quantities of new medium and large-calibre ammunition to the Ukrainian military, along with Skynex air defence systems. The company supplied the first Skynex air defence system to the Ukrainian armed forces in 2023.
Skynex air defence system design and features
The Skynex system features an open and modular architecture design, allowing users to integrate only the mission-relevant components into the command and control unit. It offers an extended range capability of up to 6km against hard-case targets and can engage soft-case targets at distances of up to 10km.
The baseline system comprises a sensor package, a shooter package and a command and control package.
Skynex enables the integration of sensors from various manufacturers, with the only requirement being an integrated tracking unit. Sensors and effectors can be interconnected in a modular manner to meet specific mission requirements.
It is capable of integrating existing Oerlikon Skyguard and Oerlikon Skyshield fire units, along with other legacy systems.
The Oerlikon Skyshield and Oerlikon Skyguard are Rheinmetall’s stationary air defence systems designed to intercept fast, small targets. They form an integral part of layered air defence systems protecting vital points and critical military infrastructure.
Skymaster battle management system
The Oerlikon Skymaster battle management system (BMS) serves as the central control node of the entire Skynex system. It remains in contact with all the subsystems of the Skynex system through a secure communication network.
The BMS offers made-to-measure solutions, tactical and operational air defence networks, and multi-spectrum sensor netting solutions. It can remotely control the Qerlikon X-TAR3D radar and up to four Oerlikon revolver gun Mk3s.
Oerlikon multi sensor unit (MSU)
The Oerlikon multi-sensor unit (MSU) is a remotely controlled, swiftly deployable sensor unit equipped with non-rotating 3D active electronically scanned array (AESA) search radars, providing 360° coverage.
The platform-agnostic sensor unit can automatically classify detected targets and autonomously transfer the generated tracks to the most suitable cannon or missile launcher, or at the push of a button. It has a detection range of up to 30km for a 1m2 (10.76ft2) radar cross-section (RCS) target.
Radars
Skynex can be equipped with one or more medium-range radars, such as the Qerlikon X-TAR3D radar, which provides the air picture consolidated in the control node.
The X-TAR3D radar is engineered for three-dimensional tactical acquisition, effectively detecting conventional air-breathing targets such as fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters as well as stealth aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
It is adept at tracking rockets and mortar rounds, making it highly versatile for counterrocket, artillery, and mortar (C-RAM) missions.
Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3 details
Skynex can integrate up to four Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3s as well as the Oerlikon Twin Gun GDF009 TREO, providing precision and mobility for diverse missions.
The Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3 is a 35mm air defence gun with radar tracking and electro-optical sensors. It operates autonomously, offering precision and mobility suitable for diverse missions.
The Twin Gun GDF009 TREO features an advanced fire control processor that supports network connectivity, enabling it to receive and process data from fire control units, as well as from 3D and 2D search radars like the X-TAR3D.
Skynex also offers capabilities for active and passive electronic warfare and the potential integration of future high-energy lasers.
SkyKnight C-RAM missile
The SkyKnight C-RAM missile system, developed by Halcon, can be seamlessly integrated into the Skynex air defence system, enhancing its capabilities beyond cannon-based systems and effectively countering saturation attacks.
The SkyKnight missile measures 2.2m in length and has a diameter of 115mm and a wingspan of 300mm. It has a range of up to 10km and weighs 35kg.
HX3 vehicle for Skynex air defence system
Rheinmetall’s HX3 vehicle can serve as the transport component for the Skynex air defence system. The HX3 vehicles are designed to align with military and automotive megatrends, offering enhanced protection, greater mobility and a digital architecture for a more versatile range of applications.
Skynex air defence system orders
In December 2022, Rheinmetall was awarded a €182m ($191.6m) contract to deliver two Skynex air defence systems to an international customer. A memorandum of understanding was also signed for the procurement of HX trucks totalling €12m ($12.6m).
In March 2024, Rheinmetall secured an additional contract to deliver Skynex air defence systems to an undisclosed customer in Europe.
The deliveries are scheduled to occur throughout 2025 and, like the original contract, will encompass the accompanying Rheinmetall-manufactured HX trucks.
In May 2024, Rheinmetall was awarded a contract by an undisclosed European nation to provide 35mm AHEAD ammunition for the Skynex air defence system.
