Rheinmetall Delivers Skynex Air System to Italian Army

On December 18, German defense contractor Rheinmetall announced the delivery of the first Skynex air defense system to the Italian Army, marking a significant enhancement in Italy’s short-range air defense capabilities. The system, equipped with the sophisticated 35mm Revolver Gun Mk.3, will be integrated into the Air Defense Artillery Command stationed in Sabaudia. With this acquisition, the Italian Army substantially strengthens its ability to counter emerging aerial threats, particularly enemy drone systems that have become increasingly prevalent and dangerous on modern battlefields. The arrival of Skynex positions Italy as a pioneer among NATO members in fielding this advanced counter-unmanned aerial system technology, reflecting Rome’s commitment to maintaining cutting-edge defensive capabilities against evolving airborne threats.

Multi-Phase Procurement Program Worth €280 Million

Italy’s achievement as the first NATO member to operationally field the Skynex system follows a procurement agreement finalized in mid-January, when Rome committed approximately €73 million to acquire the initial unit. The contract structure includes provisions for delivering three additional Skynex systems to further reinforce Italy’s air defense inventory, bringing the total program value to approximately €280 million. This phased acquisition approach allows the Italian Army to validate system performance and integration while maintaining budgetary flexibility for subsequent deliveries.

Looking ahead, Romania is anticipated to become the second NATO operator of Skynex, while Ukraine already employs the system within its air defense networks, albeit configured with the twin-gun GDF-009 variant that has proven effective in combat operations against Russian aerial threats.

Technical Capabilities and Operational Advantages

The Skynex system acquired by Italy represents an air defense solution specifically designed for operational scenarios where traditional guided missile systems are deemed tactically or economically ineffective. Armed with the Revolver Gun Mk.3, the platform demonstrates impressive firepower, capable of firing up to 1,000 rounds per minute with an effective engagement range extending approximately 4 kilometers. This high rate of fire proves particularly valuable against saturation attacks involving multiple small, fast-moving targets such as reconnaissance drones or loitering munitions. The system’s kinetic approach to air defense provides distinct advantages in countering threats that might otherwise overwhelm missile-based systems through sheer numbers or exploit gaps in radar coverage through low-altitude flight profiles.

Electronic Warfare Resistance

Skynex’s compatibility with programmable AHEAD (Advanced Hit Efficiency And Destruction) ammunition significantly enhances its lethality and operational effectiveness. This sophisticated ammunition type incorporates electronic programming that allows projectiles to detonate at precisely calculated distances from targets, creating optimized fragmentation patterns that maximize hit probability.

Critically, AHEAD ammunition demonstrates resistance to electronic countermeasures that adversaries might employ to defeat guided weapons, ensuring reliable engagement even in contested electromagnetic environments. Additionally, the kinetic ammunition approach offers substantially lower per-engagement costs compared to surface-to-air missiles currently deployed for similar counter-drone missions, providing economic sustainability for high-volume defensive operations against relatively inexpensive unmanned threats.

Integrated Radar Detection and Tracking System

The Skynex system delivered to Italy is configured to operate in conjunction with Rheinmetall’s XTAR 3D radar, which provides comprehensive detection and tracking capabilities extending to ranges of 50 kilometers. This advanced radar system enables early threat detection, automated target prioritization, and precise fire control solutions, creating an integrated air defense architecture that maximizes engagement effectiveness. The XTAR 3D radar’s three-dimensional tracking capability proves essential for countering modern aerial threats that exploit terrain masking, low-altitude approaches, or high-speed ingress profiles. The combination of extended detection range with rapid-fire kinetic engagement creates a layered defense capability that addresses threats across multiple engagement zones, from early warning through terminal intercept.

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Broader Rheinmetall-Italy Defense Partnership

Air defense cooperation represents merely one dimension of the expanding partnership between Rheinmetall and Italy as Rome pursues comprehensive Armed Forces modernization. This collaboration extends to ground combat systems, exemplified by Italy’s recent acquisition of Lynx KF-41 Infantry Fighting Vehicles, which will be manufactured through a joint venture between Rheinmetall and Italian defense giant Leonardo.

Furthermore, Italy has entrusted this same industrial partnership with developing and manufacturing its future main battle tank, a design expected to derive from Rheinmetall’s innovative Panther KF-51 platform. This multifaceted cooperation reflects Italy’s strategic decision to align with proven German defense technology while maintaining domestic industrial participation, creating a sustainable framework for long-term capability development. The Rheinmetall-Leonardo partnership demonstrates how European defense cooperation can combine technological excellence with workshare arrangements that support national industrial bases while delivering world-class military capabilities.

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