Skynex
Short-range anti-aircraft defence system
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Skynex is a point-defence system developed by Rheinmetall Air Defence AG (formerly Oerlikon). It has C-RAM and C-UAS capabilities.[1][2]
The Skynex is an evolution of the Skyshield system, with the main differences being network centrism, an open network architecture, designed to use a range of weapons, and a faster addition of new effectors to the system in comparison to the older versions of it.
Among the effectors that are used with the system are:[1][2]
- Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3 (this cannon is also used with the Rheinmetall Oerlikon Millennium Gun, Rheinmetall Oerlikon MANTIS, Rheinmetall Oerlikon Skyshield, Rheinmetall Air Defence Skyranger 35)
- Twin Gun GDF009 TREO
From the beginning of the creation of the system, Rheinmetall Air Defence planned to add future effectors, such as air defence missiles and air defence lasers.[1]
The system is also able to link with older Skyshield and Skyguard air defence systems.[1]
Equipment
The Skynex system is based on:[1][2]
- Combat management system: Oerlikon Skymaster
- Sensors:
- Tactical acquisition radar: Oerlikon X-TAR3D, IFF
- Oerlikon MSU, a multi-sensor unit with a 3D AESA radar, panoramic EO sensors, IFF, sensor fusion
- Hensoldt TwinVis (passive radar)[3]
- Effectors (currently used):
- Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3 (it is equipped with its own radar and EO sensor)
- Twin Gun GDF009 TREO (it is equipped with its own radar and EO sensor, the same as the Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3)
- Potential effectors:
- Laser: Oerlikon High Energy Laser
- Missiles:
- Oerlikon Skynex - Skynight missile launcher unit, it launches HALCON SkyKnight C-RAM / C-PGM missile
- LIG / Rheinmetall C-PGM/ESHORAD missile designed to counter glidebombs[4]
Operators
Current operators
Italy (4)- 4 Skynex in a static configuration were ordered in January 2025 to Rheinmetall Italia (1 firm order + 3 in option).[5][6]
- Deliveries:
- the first system delivered in December 2025.[7]
Qatar- In October 2022, the Qatar Emiri Air Defence Forces revealed they had procured the Skynex, a modular air defense architecture centered around the Skymaster battle management system that can link components of the Skyshield. Rheinmetall is believed to have received a contract in October 2019 worth around €210 million (US$204 million) for an unspecified number of Skymasters, radars, and guns including AHEAD programmable air-bursting ammunition that is effective against small targets out to a range of 4 km.
- A video released by the Qatari Ministry of Defence showed eight 35 mm Revolver Gun Mk3s and one X-TAR3D target acquisition and tracking radar.[8]
Ukraine (2)- In December 2022, a German government spokesman said that Rheinmetall would provide two Skynex systems to Ukraine as part of assistance during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Valued at approximately €182 million ($192 million), Germany would pay for the cost involved. The Skynex air defense system is based on a concept that keeps airspace surveillance separate from the effectors, only requiring a tracking unit to link a C2 network with different weapons. Each Skynex system comprises four Revolver Gun Mk3 cannons, a CN-1 control node, and an X-TAR3D radar all mounted on HX trucks.
- Deliveries:
Future operators
Romania (7)- Romania ordered 7 Skynex systems to Rheinmetall Italia SpA in May 2026, the contract is part of a common order with 24 Skyranger 35, and 2 Millenium systems.[15][16]
- Each fire unit is equipped with:[17]
- 6 Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3 (total 42)
- CN-1 control node
- Upper echelon command point
- Unknown customer (4)
- In July 2026, Rheinmetall announced the sale of 4 systems to an international customer.[18]
