Germany handed over a Skynex air defense system, along with ammunition and other military aid to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the German government announced on January 4.
The Skynex air defense systems will greatly improve the Ukrainian army’s capability to counter diverse aerial threats, such as unmanned aerial systems, kamikaze drones, and low-flying cruise missiles.
The Skynex air defense system is part of EUR 182 million contract signed by the the German defense company Rheinmetall. As part of the deal, Rheinmetall will deliver two Skynex air defense systems to Ukraine. The delivery of the second system to the Ukrainian Armed Forces is anticipated in the upcoming months.
Skynex air defense system
- Skynex employs automatic cannon-based air defense, excelling in scenarios with very short ranges where guided missiles may not be as effective.
- The integration of Rheinmetall’s innovative programmable 35mm Ahead ammunition presents a cost-effective alternative to guided missile systems.
- The ammunition’s resistance to electronic interference significantly boosts its overall effectiveness in countering airborne threats.
- Rheinmetall highlights the success of the self-propelled Flakpanzer Gepard anti-aircraft system in Ukraine, underscoring the effectiveness of 35mm gun-based air defense against cruise missiles and drones. Top of Form
Defense aid package
The latest defense aid package includes 10 Marder armored vehicles, missiles for air defense systems, ammunition for Leopard tanks and other weapons.
In total, the German defense aid package included:
- 10 Marder infantry fighting vehicles;
- IRIS-T SLM missiles;
- two TRML-4D air surveillance radars;
- Skynex air defense system;
- 9,080 rounds of 155mm ammunition;
- two Wisent 1 mine clearing tanks and a Beaver bridge-laying tank;
- 3350 combat helmets;
- 30 drone detection systems;
- 10 GO12 ground surveillance radars;
- 10 Zetros trucks;
- 3 HX81 truck tractor trains and 1 semi-trailer;
- 34 vehicles;
- 305 MK556 assault rifles and 750,000 million rounds of ammunition for firearms.