German Skynex joins Ukraine's front lines, bolsters air defense
Ukrainians have published a recording showcasing the Skynex. Although two batteries of this anti-aircraft system reached the front lines some time ago, Ukrainians hadn't boasted about it until now. What distinguishes Skynex, and what capabilities does it provide?
3:57 PM EDT, September 25, 2024
"We are grateful to our allies for helping to increase Ukraine's air defense potential. More air defense systems for Ukraine = more innocent lives saved," wrote the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense in a brief statement referencing Skynex.
German Skynex system in Ukraine
Analysts assess Skynex as a significant reinforcement for the Ukrainian Air Force, for whom combating Russian drones has become a daily occurrence. Skynex is a weapon dedicated to countering such threats, although it can also be used to shoot down cruise missiles or airplanes. Its effective range is estimated to be about 2.5 miles.
In the recording presented by the Ukrainians, several key elements of this German system are highlighted. It features the Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3 with a high firing rate of up to 1,000 rounds per minute, capable of handling armor-piercing ammunition or programmable AHEAD. It also has an option for automatic target tracking and an X-TAR3D radar.
The complete turret system of Skynex weighs a little over 11,000 pounds (with a supply of 252 rounds of ammunition). It is evident that the Ukrainians are testing the Skynex in a stationary version dedicated to protecting specific objects. In a mobile version, it would need to be mounted on the chassis of an appropriate armored transporter.
German anti-aircraft systems in Ukraine
Germany is one of the countries that most frequently responds to Ukrainian calls for air defense systems. As part of the support, Berlin has managed to deliver to the front not only the Skynex systems, but also Gepard systems (also mainly used to counter Russian drones) and the most advanced anti-aircraft systems like IRIS-T and Patriot.
