The Ukrainian Air Force Reveals the Skynex System in Action for the First Time (Video)
Despite Ukraine receiving its first Skynex air defense systems from Rheinmetall in April 2023, with full battery deliveries continuing through the spring of 2024, their operational use by the Armed Forces had remained undisclosed until recently. The West Air Command has now released footage from Ukrainian air defense training exercises and combat operations, showcasing the system in action.
The video reveals various operational aspects, including the system’s high firing rate of 1,000 rounds per minute, the airburst detonation of 35 mm AHEAD ammunition, the use of advanced fire control systems, and crew procedures such as reloading.
It’s noteworthy that the Armed Forces of Ukraine utilize the Skynex system as a stationary platform. This configuration, designed to protect specific point targets, simplifies chassis maintenance, as it is only required for transportation and not for withstanding the stresses of firing.
The video also demonstrates the reloading process, where clips containing seven 35×228 mm rounds are loaded. These rounds, weighing 1.7 kg each (with a projectile weight of 750 grams), have a muzzle velocity of 1,050 m/s (3,780 km/h) and can reach a maximum range of 5 km in just 8.2 seconds. If a round fails to hit its target, a self-destruct mechanism is automatically activated.
The key feature of the Skynex system lies in its programmable detonation. Each round releases 152 tungsten elements, each weighing 3.3 grams, creating a cloud of fragments in close proximity to the target.
The video further highlights the Skynex system’s automated target tracking capability, which is managed by an electro-optical system integrated with radar. Additionally, the system employs the X-TAR3D surveillance radar, capable of detecting targets up to 50 km away. The footage also reveals that the Skynex firing unit is an unmanned combat module, operated remotely from a separate command post.
It is worth mentioning that the Skynex system is an evolution of the Skyranger system, set to become a cornerstone of air defense in several EU countries. This highly versatile system supports a range of calibers, from 30 mm to 35 mm, and can be upgraded with air defense missiles like the Iris-T, AIM-9X, or Stinger. The platform can also be mounted on various armored vehicles, such as the Boxer 8×8 or Pandur Evo 6×6, and features adaptable radar and optical targeting systems.