Back in December 2022, Germany revealed that it will provide Ukraine with two Skynex short-range air defence systems. This was basically a response to Russia’s kamikaze drone attacks that were destroying Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. It was revealed now that the first Skynex system has been delivered to Ukraine at the end of last year.
The 35 mm Revolver Gun Mk3 cannon of the Skynex system on a truck chassis. All components of the Skynex system are mounted on HX trucks. Image credit: Rheinmetall via Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
„Defense Express“ analysts say that this delivery was a bit unexpected, because Skynex wasn’t mentioned in the recent military aid packages. However, as said before, it was planned over a year ago. The second Skynex system should arrive in Ukraine in March. These systems are supplied by the German defence industry giant Rheinmetall and are paid for by the German government. It is estimated that the two systems will cost an astonishing 182 million euros.
It is an incredibly valuable tool though. A Skynex system includes four Revolver Gun Mk3 cannons, a CN-1 control centre, and an X-TAR3D radar all mounted on the HX truck chassis. The main advantages of this system are its mobility and ability to respond to different threats very quickly, whether it would be drones, like the Shahed-136, or even cruise missiles. With air-bursting ammunition, which basically creates an impenetrable cloud of shrapnel in the air, the Skynex guns can defeat even tiny targets at a distance of 4 km or more.
The 35 mm Revolver Gun Mk3 is, obviously, the dagger in this system, even though it would not work without the X-TAR3D target acquisition and tracking radar. These autocannons have an astonishing rate of fire of 1,000 rounds per minute. It is computer-controlled and estimates where it should fire in relation to the target position and speed in the sky.
The entire system of radars and guns is connected in a C2 network, shares data and works together to engage multiple targets at the same time. In simple terms, Shahed drones will not fly through an area protected by the Skynex systems.
The Skynex is a short-range system, armed with automatic guns – of course, it cannot defeat ballistic missiles. But such a high-tech weapon will be able to protect some sensitive areas in Ukraine that would be repeatedly attacked by Shahed drones.
Ukraine will likely position Skynex guns on the frequent routes of the drones, trying to intercept them on their way. Of course, these systems themselves may be targeted by Russia, which is why their positions will constantly change and you may not even see their pictures online.
Written by Povilas M.