Air Defense
Rheinmetall Skynex
The Rheinmetall Skynex is a networked short-range air-defence system made by Rheinmetall Air Defence, built around the 35 mm Oerlikon Revolver Gun with AHEAD airburst ammunition. Ukraine has received several Skynex systems since 2023 for drone defence.
Germany|Rheinmetall Air DefenceWhat Is the Rheinmetall Skynex? Overview, History and Development
Skynex is the successor to the Oerlikon Skyguard and Skyshield family. A typical battery has a fire-control unit, two or three gun turrets, and a Skymaster command and control with an X-band 3D search radar covering about 30 km. The 35 mm Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3 fires about 1,000 rds/min. AHEAD programmable airburst rounds release 152 tungsten sub-projectiles, and effective range is about 4 km against drones, cruise missiles and rockets.
The system can be mounted on 8×8 vehicles or static trailers, and the family is promoted for C-RAM and counter-UAS use. Germany donated several Skynex systems to Ukraine, the first delivered in 2023, with a further batch in 2024, used for drone defence. Other customers are largely undisclosed. Rivals include the Gepard, Skyranger 30, Pantsir-S1 and Aselsan’s KORKUT from Türkiye, while Aselsan Hisar is an alternative in a similar short-range role.
Rheinmetall Skynex Specifications: Range, Altitude, Missiles and Radar
Rheinmetall Skynex Variants and Versions Compared
Skynex is the base networked system with 35 mm Revolver Guns and AHEAD ammunition.
Skynex with Skyranger refers to combinations of the system with Rheinmetall’s Skyranger vehicle-mounted turret.
Skyguard 3 is the Skynex family’s fire-control and sensor suite, the predecessor concept to the networked system.
Which Countries Use the Rheinmetall Skynex? Operators and Users
UkraineRheinmetall Skynex FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
What is the range of the Skynex?
The Rheinmetall Skynex has an effective range of about 4 km against drones, cruise missiles and rockets. Its X-band 3D radar covers about 30 km.
Does Ukraine have Skynex?
Yes, Ukraine has several Skynex systems donated by Germany, with the first delivered in 2023 and a further batch in 2024. They are used for drone defence.
What is AHEAD ammunition?
AHEAD is programmable airburst ammunition used by the Rheinmetall Skynex, with each round releasing 152 tungsten sub-projectiles. It is fired by the 35 mm Oerlikon Revolver Gun at about 1,000 rounds per minute.
Who makes the Skynex?
The Skynex is made by Rheinmetall Air Defence, the former Oerlikon Contraves business. It succeeds the Skyguard and Skyshield systems.
Skynex vs Gepard: what is the difference?
The Skynex is a networked system with a 3D radar and several 35 mm Revolver Gun turrets using AHEAD ammunition, while the Gepard is a 47.3 t tracked tank with two 35 mm guns. Skynex is designed for counter-drone use.
Is there a Turkish alternative to the Skynex?
Yes, the Aselsan KORKUT and Hisar are Turkish alternatives to the Skynex in a similar short-range air-defence role. Skynex remains Rheinmetall’s counter-UAS system.