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Skynex Air Defense System

Skynex Air Defense System

Manufacturer: Rheinmetall Air Defence
Category: Defense Systems
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Maximum Range ~4 km (gun engagement)
Maximum Altitude ~3 km
Radar Detection Range 20–30 km (sensor-dependent)
Missile Speed N/A (gun-based system)

Full Specifications

1. General Information

System Name	Skynex Air Defense System
Manufacturer	Rheinmetall Air Defence
Country of Origin	Germany
Type / Role	Short-Range Air Defense (SHORAD)
In Service	Yes
Year Introduced	2021
Unit Cost	USD 40–55 Million (per battery)

2. Performance & Capabilities

Maximum Engagement Range	4 km (35mm gun)
Maximum Engagement Altitude	3 km
Target Types	UAVs, drones, helicopters, cruise missiles
Interception Probability	High vs. drones (AHEAD ammo)
Reaction Time	Seconds (automated)
Radar Detection Range	20–30 km (depending on radar)

3. Missile Specifications

Missile Type	N/A (Gun-based system)
Missile Length	N/A
Missile Weight	N/A
Warhead Type	AHEAD programmable rounds
Warhead Weight	152 sub-projectiles per round
Speed	N/A

4. Radar & Fire Control

Radar Type	3D AESA / Multi-role radar options
Radar Name	X-TAR3D / other compatible radars
Detection Range	20–30 km
Tracking Capacity	Multiple UAVs simultaneously
Guidance System	Automated tracking & fire control
Fire Control System	Rheinmetall Skymaster C2

5. Launcher & Mobility

Launcher Type	Gun module / containerized
No. of Missiles per Launcher	N/A
Reload Time	Fast ammo reload capability
Mobility Platform	Truck or container-mounted
Crew Required	2–4 personnel

6. Command & Control

C2 System	Skymaster Battle Management
Connectivity	Secure digital network links
Network Capability	Yes (modular multi-layer integration)
Operation Mode	Autonomous / Remote / Networked

7. Operational Use

Primary Operator	Germany, Ukraine, export customers
Combat Proven	Yes (Ukraine)
Conflict History	Russia–Ukraine War
Notable Feature	High-efficiency anti-drone capability

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Operational Flexibility 8 / 10
Combat Effectiveness 8 / 10

PROS

Highly effective against drones and loitering munitions
Low cost per shot vs. missile-based systems
Modular and scalable C2 architecture
Programmable AHEAD ammunition improves kill probability
Remote operation increases survivability

CONS

Shorter engagement range compared to missile interceptors
Requires continuous ammo resupply
Effectiveness reduced in adverse weather
Primarily designed for point defense, not area defense
Deployment requires trained crews and integrated sensors

Skynex Air Defense System

The Skynex Air Defense System, developed by Germany’s Rheinmetall, represents one of the most advanced short-range ground-based air-defense (GBAD) solutions available today. Designed to counter the growing threat of drones, loitering munitions, cruise missiles, and low-flying aircraft, Skynex combines high-precision guns, network-centric architecture, and automated tracking to deliver rapid, cost-effective engagement in complex airspace.

Modern SHORAD Solution

At its core, Skynex utilizes Rheinmetall’s 35mm Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3—capable of firing programmable AHEAD ammunition—to destroy aerial targets with extreme accuracy. This munition releases a cloud of tungsten sub-projectiles, making it ideal against small and agile threats such as quadcopters and FPV drones. Unlike missile-based systems, Skynex offers a low-cost-per-shot solution, allowing sustained operations during high-density drone swarms.

Manufacturer & Origin

Built by Rheinmetall Air Defence (Germany), Skynex is engineered for modularity. Its architecture links sensors, effectors, and C2 nodes through a unified, software-defined network, allowing operators to integrate radars, launchers, and guns depending on mission needs.

Capabilities & Technology

The system supports multiple radar types with detection ranges of up to 20–30 km for small UAVs. Its 35mm gun has an effective engagement range of around 4 km and a firing rate of 1,000 rounds per minute. Automated threat prioritization, electro-optical sights, and remote operation enhance survivability in contested environments.

Recent battlefield use—especially in Ukraine—highlights Skynex’s effectiveness against Iranian Shahed-series drones and Russian reconnaissance UAVs.

Operational Role

Skynex is optimized for:

Protecting critical infrastructure
Battlefield SHORAD operations
Drone-swarm defense
Point defense of logistics hubs, airports, and command posts

Skynex Air Defense System Price

The Skynex Air Defense System is estimated to cost between USD 40–55 million per complete battery, depending on configuration, sensor suite, and number of guns or launchers included.

FAQs

How much does Skynex air defence cost?

The Skynex Air Defense System is estimated to cost USD 40–55 million per complete battery, depending on the number of gun modules, radar systems, and command-and-control components selected. Prices vary based on configuration and export agreements.

Is Skynex effective?

Yes. Skynex is considered highly effective, particularly against drones, loitering munitions, and low-flying aircraft. Its 35mm Oerlikon Revolver Gun paired with AHEAD programmable ammunition allows it to destroy small UAVs and FPV drones with high accuracy and low cost per shot. Its networked architecture also supports rapid engagement of drone swarms.

What is the range of the Skynex air defense system?

Skynex’s effective engagement range is approximately 4 km using its 35mm gun system. Radar detection ranges vary between 20–30 km, depending on the sensor package. The system is designed for short-range, point defense operations.

What is the most advanced air defense system in the world?

Several systems compete for the title based on mission type, but the most advanced long-range integrated air defense system is widely considered to be the U.S. Patriot PAC-3 MSE or Israel’s Arrow-3, due to their proven capability against ballistic missiles. At the short-range level, systems like Germany’s Skynex, Israel’s Iron Dome, and the U.S. NASAMS lead in modern multi-layered air-defense effectiveness.

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