Ukraine purchases Skynex from Germany in historic step to strengthen air defenses

Ukraine received its second Skynex air defense system from Germany as part of the latest military aid package, announces the German government

The Skynex systems are the latest addition to Ukraine’s embattled air defenses which have been running low on ammunition because of delays in U.S. aid.

According to its German manufacturer Rheinmetall, Skynex is a “networked air defense,” that provides “a highly effective layered protection shield against a wide spectrum of air threats.” 

According to the company, Skynex mobile air defense systems can engage aircraft, cruise missiles, and small-to-large tactical drones, and are ideal for protecting vital military and civil infrastructure.

Details of the systems supplied to Ukraine have not been made public, but a version featured in a Rheinmetall promotional video from 2022 appears to be a likely candidate.

According to Rheinmetall’s vague description, Skynex uses various ‘sensors and effectors’ and ‘one or more medium-range radars’ to detect and identify drones, all coordinated through the Oerlikon Skymaster Combat Management System.

However, Ukraine reportedly has only two Skynex systems as of now.

Source: Newsroom