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Ukrainian Soldiers Confirm Rheinmetall Skynex Air Defense System's High Efficiency in Intercepting Russian Drones.
A recently released video has surfaced online, showing for the first time Ukrainian forces operating the German-made Rheinmetall Skynex air defense system to target Russian drones. Ukrainian soldiers have praised the system’s high efficiency in intercepting and neutralizing these threats, further proving its effectiveness on the battlefield. The German Ministry of Defense has confirmed that Germany has already delivered two Skynex air defense systems to Ukraine, along with the necessary ammunition, as part of its ongoing military support to bolster Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.
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Oerlikon 35mm Revolver Gun Mk3, part of the Rheinmetall Skynex air defense system, in service with the Ukrainian army, providing effective protection against Russian drone threats. (Picture source: Ukrainian MoD)
In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, aerial drones have emerged as one of the primary threats on the battlefield, according to several reports analyzing the war. Both Ukrainian and Russian forces have increasingly relied on drones for reconnaissance, artillery targeting, and direct attack missions. Russian forces, in particular, have employed a variety of drone types, including the Iranian-made Shahed-136 loitering munitions, Orlan-10 reconnaissance drones, and Lancet kamikaze UAVs, to carry out strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure, military positions, and civilian targets. These drones pose a significant challenge to traditional air defense systems due to their small size, low radar cross-section, and ability to operate in swarms. The frequent and widespread use of UAVs has underscored the urgent need for advanced and cost-effective air defense solutions, such as the Rheinmetall Skynex, to counter this persistent threat effectively.
The Skynex system, produced by the German defense company Rheinmetall, represents a cutting-edge solution for short-range air defense (SHORAD). It is specifically designed to counter modern aerial threats such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cruise missiles, and low-flying aircraft. The core component of the system is the Oerlikon 35mm Revolver Gun Mk3, which utilizes advanced AHEAD (Advanced Hit Efficiency And Destruction) ammunition. This specialized ammunition releases a cloud of tungsten sub-projectiles at a precisely calculated point in the trajectory of the target, significantly increasing the probability of a successful intercept. This technology makes Skynex highly effective against small and fast-moving aerial targets such as drones, which Russian forces have increasingly employed in swarming attacks.
The Skynex air defense system offers several key engagement features that enhance its operational efficiency. It can detect, track, and engage targets within a range of up to 4 kilometers, making it suitable for the protection of critical infrastructure and military assets. The system can engage threats at altitudes of up to 3,000 meters, providing coverage against low-flying drones and cruise missiles. The Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3 has a high rate of fire of up to 1,000 rounds per minute, ensuring a dense and effective barrage against incoming aerial threats. With its advanced tracking algorithms, the system's fire control radar enables rapid engagement within seconds of detecting a target, making it highly effective against drone swarms and fast-moving threats.
One of the key advantages of the Skynex air defense system is its ability to autonomously track and engage multiple threats simultaneously using an advanced fire control radar system. It can operate independently or be integrated into a broader air defense network, enhancing coordination with other Ukrainian air defense assets such as the IRIS-T SLM and Gepard systems. This integration allows for a multi-layered defense approach, where different systems work together to address various types of aerial threats, from long-range ballistic missiles to low-altitude drones.
The Skynex’s effectiveness against drones is particularly noteworthy given Russia's frequent use of Iranian-made Shahed-136 loitering munitions and other UAVs, which have been used to attack Ukrainian critical infrastructure and military positions. The system's rapid reaction time and high accuracy make it an ideal solution for neutralizing drone threats before they can inflict significant damage. Unlike missile-based systems, which can be expensive and have limited ammunition, the Skynex’s use of 35mm gun-based technology provides a more cost-effective solution for engaging drones in large numbers. This advantage is crucial in the context of modern drone warfare, where adversaries often employ mass attacks to overwhelm defenses.
Additionally, the system’s modular and mobile design further enhances its combat effectiveness. Mounted on wheeled platforms, it can be rapidly deployed and repositioned to provide air defense coverage where it is needed most. This flexibility is crucial for protecting key infrastructure, military units, and supply lines from aerial attacks. The system’s autonomous operation and automated tracking functions reduce the workload on operators, allowing Ukrainian forces to focus on strategic battlefield priorities.
The delivery of Skynex systems underscores Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine with advanced military technology. Berlin has been a major supplier of military aid, having previously provided Leopard 2 tanks, Marder infantry fighting vehicles, and IRIS-T air defense systems. With the increasing reliance on drones in modern warfare, the introduction of the Skynex system is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening Ukraine’s resilience against aerial threats.
As the conflict continues to evolve, the operational deployment of the Skynex air defense system offers valuable insights into its real-world effectiveness and potential future applications. Ukrainian forces are likely to refine their tactics and integrate Skynex into their broader air defense network to maximize its capabilities. The emergence of the recent video highlights the growing importance of advanced air defense systems in countering the persistent and evolving threats posed by Russian forces in the conflict.