Ukraine has received a major boost to its air defense capabilities thanks to Germany's latest military aid package.
The aid deal, which was announced by the German federal government on Thursday, includes the delivery of an Oerlikon Skynex, a German-made anti-aircraft system designed for short-range defense. Germany first announced a $200 million contract with Rheinmetall, the manufacturer of Skynex, in December 2022, with the promise that the first of the two defense systems included in the contract would arrive in Ukraine in early 2024.
The delivery follows pleas from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for his Western partners to supply additional defense systems and weapons as Russia ramps up its aerial attacks across Ukraine. Additional aid in Germany's updated package includes two air surveillance TRML-4D radars, 30 drone detection systems, two mine-clearing tanks and additional artillery and munitions.
What is Skynex?
The Skynex, according to its manufacturer, is equipped to defend against large tactical drones, air-to-ground missiles, mortars and artillery rockets. The system consists of a 3D target-acquisition radar, which is capable of identifying aerial threats within a 50-kilometer (31-mile) range.
The system is also equipped to operate up to four 35mm Mk3 revolver guns, which according to Rheinmetall can fire up to 1,000 rounds per minute. The revolver guns also come furnished with tracking radars, TV and infrared cameras, and laser range finders to strike "even the smallest target," the manufacturer said in an informational video shared on YouTube.
Skynex can also work in conjunction with other air defense systems, said Guy McCardle, the managing editor of Special Operations Forces Report (SOFREP). Such systems include the existing Skyguard and Skyshield units produced by Rheinmetall, according to the manufacturer's website, as well as the U.S.-provided Patriot systems, which are designed to strike long-range targets.
"A combination of air defense systems, such as Skynex paired with older and more conventional technology such as the Patriot, provides a wide net of coverage against small aerial threats such as drones and larger ones such as guided ballistic missiles," McCardle told Newsweek, referring to how Skynex could boost Ukraine's military capabilities.
How Does Skynex Compare to the Patritot?
While Ukraine already has a plethora of air defense systems thanks to its Western allies, including the Patriot, Ukrainian Armed Forces commander Sergiy Nayev warned last week that Kyiv's military was running low on ammunition for the portable air defense systems after Russia's consistent shelling days prior. According to Nayev, who spoke with Agence France-Presse on Wednesday, Ukraine only has enough supplies for its Patriot systems to "withstand the next few powerful attacks."
McCardle told Newsweek that on top of versatility, the Skynex is much more affordable than the Patriot systems—while the U.S.-made air defense machines cost around $1.1 billion each, Germany signed a contract for two Skynex at just $200 million.
"It is also significantly more effective against small, fast-moving objects, such as drones," McCardle said. "And as we all know, Ukraine is rife with drones."
"It is particularly effective against drone swarms due to its Advanced Hit Efficacy and Destruction (AHEAD) ammunition," he added. "Incidentally, the Patriot is better at taking down long-range ballistic missiles. The kind that Russia claims to be running low on."
McCardle also noted that Skynex is easy to transport, "a big plus when the enemy has your location dialed in and wants to destroy your anti-aircraft capabilities."
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Kaitlin Lewis is a Newsweek reporter on the Night Team based in Boston, Massachusetts. Her focus is reporting on national ... Read more
