Italian Army Could Choose Rheinmetall Skynex 35mm to Complement GRIFO SHORAD System.

According to @CiroNappi on X, the Italian Army has reportedly decided to integrate the Rheinmetall Skynex 35 system into its short-range air defense program (VSHORAD), known as GRIFO. This strategic decision aims to strengthen the country’s air defense capabilities against modern threats. The Skynex 35 system, locally produced by Rheinmetall Italia at its plant near Rome, will play a crucial role in the very short-range air defense (V-SHORAD) segment of the program.
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The Skynex air defense system offers a range of advanced capabilities, making it particularly effective against contemporary aerial threats (Picture source: Rheinmetall)

The Skynex air defense system offers a range of advanced capabilities, making it particularly effective against contemporary aerial threats. At the core of its firepower is the Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3, a 35mm automatic cannon that uses programmable airburst ammunition (AHEAD) for precise strikes. The cannon can fire up to 1,000 rounds per minute, effectively countering fast-moving targets such as drones, missiles, and aircraft.

It has a range of approximately 4,000 meters and can engage targets at altitudes up to 3,500 meters. The system can also integrate the SkyKnight missile, designed to counter saturation attacks, capable of engaging multiple incoming threats simultaneously, and neutralizing targets up to 10 kilometers away and at altitudes up to 6,000 meters.

In addition to its cannon-based defenses, Skynex includes advanced radar capabilities, such as the Oerlikon X-TAR3D radar, which provides 360-degree surveillance and target tracking with a range of up to 50 kilometers. Its modular and networked design allows for the integration of next-generation technologies, including high-energy laser systems for precise targeting.

The system's network architecture facilitates real-time data exchange between components, improving situational awareness and enabling faster, more coordinated responses to threats. Additionally, Skynex is highly mobile, deployable on high-mobility trucks, and can be transported by aircraft, making it adaptable to various combat scenarios and environments.

Details of the Skynex system mounted on a Rheinmetall HX chassis (Picture source: Rheinmetall)

By integrating this system into the GRIFO program, the Italian Army aims to enhance its ability to counter low-altitude and short-range threats. This integration also reflects Italy’s focus on collaboration with its domestic defense industry, ensuring the armed forces benefit from advanced defense technologies while supporting the local economy.

In May 2024, MBDA announced that the GRIFO air defense system had been tested and qualified with the CAMM-ER (Common Anti-air Modular Missile Extended Range) missile. It was the first time that GRIFO’s Command Post and Engagement Module (PCMI) was tested in integration with the missile launcher and CAMM-ER. The test, conducted against a target drone simulating an enemy aircraft attack, confirmed the system’s defense capabilities and integrated performance.

The PCMI detected the drone, identified and classified the threat, and then launched the CAMM-ER to neutralize it. The test also verified the proper functioning of the two-way datalink between the missile and the ground system. The GRIFO system, developed by MBDA, is part of the EMADS family and will be used by the Italian Army for short-range air defense, with extended range provided by the CAMM-ER’s Avio motor.

The CAMM-ER missile is part of the CAMM family, offering 360-degree air defense coverage. The success of this qualification resulted from the collaborative work of MBDA’s Italian and UK teams, with the support of the Italian customer.

By integrating this system into the GRIFO program, the Italian Army aims to enhance its ability to counter low-altitude and short-range threats (Picture source: MBDA)

The decision to adopt the Skynex 35 system can also be seen as Italy's commitment to strengthening its defense sovereignty by relying on domestic capabilities. The choice of this system highlights the importance of protecting against emerging threats, such as drones, which require a rapid and effective response.

In April 2024, Rheinmetall Italia announced it would produce more Skynex air defense systems for Ukraine. Following a €182 million contract from the German government last year to supply two Skynex systems to Kyiv by the end of 2023, with some already delivered, the company is now working on three more systems, bringing the total order value to around €500 million.

On March 1, Rheinmetall announced a new contract for the supply of Skynex systems to an unspecified "European customer," with deliveries scheduled for 2025. This new agreement also includes the associated HX trucks produced by Rheinmetall.

The deployment of the Skynex system in Ukraine has increased the product's profile, leading to new orders worldwide. According to Rheinmetall Italia's CEO, a Skynex battery built in Italy was operational in Ukraine as of December 31. To meet urgent demand, Rheinmetall Italia invested €100 million in 2023 to modernize its Rome plant, with an additional €20 million planned for 2024. This production ramp-up reduced delivery times from 24 to 12 months. The conflict in Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has fundamentally altered the defense industry’s landscape, forcing Rheinmetall to adapt quickly.

The Rome plant has also expanded its production responsibilities, becoming a global leader in the radar segment and acquiring patents for the manufacture of cannons previously produced in Zurich, Switzerland. These efforts contributed to Rheinmetall’s record financial performance in 2023, with the company expecting increased sales and profitability in 2024, driven by rising defense budgets in NATO countries.