Unnamed country orders ammunition for Skynex system

The unnamed European country has ordered hundreds of thousands of ammunition for the Skynex air defense system. The German concern Rheinmetall announced that the classified country would receive AHEAD 35mm munitions. This is an order worth many millions of euros, with a six-figure quantity of ammunition to be delivered.

"The total value of the order is in the range of three-digit million euros," Rheinmetall said. The use of programmable 35-mm AHEAD ammunition developed by Rheinmetall for this purpose is significantly cheaper than similar systems based on guided missiles.

AHEAD 35mm munition from Rheinmetall

In addition, it is impossible to deflect or influence the 35mm ammunition with electronic countermeasures after it is fired. It is likely that this ammunition is intended for Ukrainian air defense, which is equipped with Skynex systems. Back in 2023, Skynex systems were put on combat duty in Ukraine.

Skynex is designed for short-range air defense. The system is capable of shooting down drones or cruise missiles with 35mm ammunition.

Rheinmetall Skynex air defense system, 2021. Photo credits: Rheinmetall

The 35mm Oerlikon Mk3 cannon used in the Skynex air defense system has an effective range of 4000 meters and a rate of fire of 1000 rounds per minute. The gun module is equipped with an X-Band tracking radar that provides an autonomous target acquisition function, making targeting simple and fast.

In 2024, German company Rheinmetall signed a contract to supply Skynex systems to an unnamed European customer.

Deliveries will take place throughout 2025 and will also include Rheinmetall HX all-wheel drive trucks with a 6x6 wheel configuration as system carriers.