Rheinmetall from Germany to Upgrade Romania's Oerlikon GDF 103 35mm Air Defense Systems.

December 22, 2023 - German Defense Company Rheinmetall has secured a major defense contract from Romania, a NATO and EU member state, for the comprehensive modernization of the nation's Oerlikon GDF 103 35mm air defense artillery systems. The deal, valued at approximately €328 million, includes the supply of four systems, along with training, spare parts, and additional services. The timeline for delivery is set for two systems within the next two years, and the remaining two in the following three years.
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The modernized version of the Oerlikon 35mm anti-aircraft twin-gun. (Picture source Rheinmetall)

Armin Papperger, the chairman of the executive board of the German Defense Company Rheinmetall AG, expressed enthusiasm over this significant initial order from the Romanian government, highlighting its expansion into Central Europe and reaffirming Rheinmetall's status as a prominent provider of ground-based air defense systems. This order is seen as a boost to the defensive capabilities of both the EU and NATO, particularly on Europe's eastern border.

Rheinmetall has been operating a service hub in Satu Mare, Romania, near the borders with Ukraine and Hungary, where it maintains and services military vehicles. The systems ordered include an Oerlikon Skymaster TLCN fire control system, an X-Band Tactical Acquisition Radar 3D (X-TAR3D), six 35mm GDF009 TREO Oerlikon Twin Guns with autoloaders, and two heavy-duty trucks for transporting the fire control system and radar.

The Skynex air defense solution from Rheinmetall, an upgraded version of the Oerlikon anti-aircraft artillery system, is a modular and flexible ground-based system designed to protect stationary objects and installations at close and short ranges. It can engage up to four targets simultaneously at very short range, including ground targets. Skynex, representing the latest in technology, is particularly effective in close-range operations where guided missiles are less effective. It utilizes Oerlikon rapid-fire automatic cannons that can fire 1,100 rounds per minute and have a maximum effective range of 4,000 meters.

This order gains significance in light of the effective use of the older 35mm Gepard anti-aircraft tank in Ukraine, demonstrating the continued relevance and efficiency of cannon-based air defense systems against aerial threats like cruise missiles and drones. Skynex represents a significant advancement over the Gepard in terms of sensor technology, networked deployment of tactical units, and integration into higher-level command and control systems. Its combat effectiveness is further enhanced by Rheinmetall’s programmable time-delay munitions.

Defense News December 2023