For an unknown customer: the Oerlikon Skynex anti-aircraft system will go into production
Skynex combat module on a transport vehicle
A few years ago, Rheinmetall Defense launched the promising Oerlikon Skynex anti-aircraft artillery system on the market. The search for customers for such equipment was seriously delayed, and the first supply contract was obtained only now. The first buyer was an unnamed foreign country, which will receive only a few complexes. According to the German press, it could be Ukraine.
According to official data
The development company announced the signing of the first export contract for Skynex on December 9th. The official press release gives the main features of the deal, but does not mention the customer country. The reasons for this are unknown.
It is reported that a certain foreign customer will receive only two promising German-designed ZAKs. Delivery of products is expected at the beginning of 2024. The total cost of the two complexes is 182 million euros - just over 90 million for each.
In addition, a memorandum was signed on the supply of auxiliary equipment. The customer will receive RMMN HX trucks, which will support the operation of anti-aircraft weapons. The number and equipment of trucks is not reported, but their total cost will be 12 million euros.
In its report, Rheinmetall points out that the Skynex system uses an automatic cannon and should show high efficiency at short distances, where missile performance drops sharply. To improve combat qualities, it is proposed to use AHEAD-type projectiles with programmable detonation.
Radar type Oerlikon X-TAR3D
As an argument in favor of the new ZAK, some “successes” of the Gepard anti-aircraft self-propelled guns transferred to Ukraine are mentioned. What exactly they are, is not reported. In the light of the absence of any data on the effective use of "Cheetahs" by Ukrainian formations, such an argument from Rheinmetall looks very curious.
Unknown customer
The official announcement of the first export order did not say which country would receive the new weapons. However, on the same day, December 9, the missing information about the deal was published by Handelsblatt. It received this information from unnamed sources in German government circles.
It is alleged that Ukraine will become the recipient of anti-aircraft systems. The Kiev regime is unable to pay for such a purchase on its own, and the German federal government has considered providing the necessary funding. At the time of publication in Handelsblatt, the German leadership was looking in its budget for the necessary money.
According to the newspaper, Germany is going to increase assistance to Ukraine. The planned delivery of Skynex is the next step in this direction. At the same time, assistance is calculated for a fairly distant future.
Order subject
The promising ZAK Skynex was developed by the Rheinmetall Air Defense department (the former Swiss company Oerlikon). In fact, it was created on the basis of the existing Skyranger / Skyshield complex and was considered as its deep modernization. Due to new components and solutions, it was planned to improve the main characteristics and get new features. In particular, much attention was paid to the fight against UAVs and high-precision weapons.
Jobs inside the command post
Materials on the Skynex complex were first presented in 2016, and since then it has been a permanent exhibit at all major foreign exhibitions. The complex attracted the attention of visitors and specialists, but until recently it could not boast of commercial success.
The first contract for such equipment appeared only now - six years after the "premier". In this case, we are talking about the supply of only two complexes. If we are talking about battery packs, then only a couple of command posts, two detection and tracking radars, and no more than eight combat modules will be handed over to the customer.
Transportable complex
Oerlikon Skynex is a mobile anti-aircraft artillery system. All of its funds are made in containers and are transported between positions on vehicles. Before starting work, unloading and preparation is required. At the same time, the firing module can fire directly from a transport vehicle.
The Skynex complex includes up to four artillery modules. In the future, it is proposed to supplement them with a combat laser. It also has its own Oerlikon X-TAR3D situational illumination and detection radar with a range of up to 50 km. The battery is controlled by a command post with an Oerlikon Skymaster information and control system. ZAK can operate both independently and in conjunction with other air defense systems. First of all, it is envisaged to receive target designation from the outside.
The combat module of the complex, with some changes, was borrowed from the Skyshield system. It is made in the form of a remotely controlled tower on a stationary or portable platform. The armored hull contains a gun mount and fire control means in the form of an optical and radar sight.
Options for the execution and deployment of the combat module
The module is armed with a 35 mm Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk 3 automatic cannon. It uses 35x228 mm shots with different projectiles and has a rate of fire of up to 1000 rounds per minute. Ammunition - 250 shells. Depending on the type of ammunition, an initial speed of more than 1400 m / s is achieved. Firing range - up to 5 km.
The ammunition load includes shots with high-explosive fragmentation and armor-piercing shells. Also, fragmentation munitions with a programmable fuse of the AHEAD type are offered to customers. It is claimed that such projectiles significantly increase the efficiency of fire and reduce the consumption of ammunition, especially when attacking difficult small-sized or maneuverable targets. However, there is a problem of cost - the price of one projectile reaches 4 thousand euros.
Over the past few years, potential buyers have had the opportunity to get acquainted with the German-Swiss ZAK and draw conclusions. They were probably interested in the claimed characteristics and combat qualities, but the actual cost of new features and benefits was considered excessive. As a result, an interesting and promising sample has not yet reached the series.
Real prospects
According to unofficial information, the first serial ZAK Rheinmetall Skynex will go to Ukraine. There are no confirmations or denials yet, but it is already possible to assess the prospects for such a supply and its theoretical ability to influence the overall situation.
First of all, you need to pay attention to the stated delivery time. Products will be handed over to the customer in more than a year. How the situation in Ukraine will change during this time is a big question. It is likely that the supply of foreign ZAK will simply cease to be relevant and necessary.
Split mockup of an AHEAD projectile inside a muzzle device with an initial velocity meter and a fuse programmer
It is planned to supply only two complexes. The customer will receive two command posts, two radars and no more than eight firing modules. Given the known tactical and technical characteristics, it is not difficult to imagine which area can be covered by such means. Skynexes will be able to protect only eight zones with a radius of five kilometers, and it is not possible to separate such zones over a long distance.
In fact, two Skynex ZAK complexes will only allow organizing point defense of individual sections. The complex can be integrated with other air defense systems, but the realization of such a potential directly depends on the availability of other anti-aircraft systems of all main classes. This means that Skynex needs the help of modern radars and foreign-style command posts. Whether the Kyiv regime will be able to get them is unknown.
It should be borne in mind that the hypothetical Skynex on Ukrainian territory, like other air defense systems, will become the target for the next Russian strikes. With all the declared characteristics and capabilities, the defeat of such a complex by existing fire weapons does not present a fundamental difficulty. Gun mounts, command posts and radars can be hit aviation missiles of sufficient range, UAVs or operational-tactical missile systems.
Success and potential problem
Thus, after several years of waiting, Rheinmetall managed to receive the first order for the supply of Skynex anti-aircraft systems. Perhaps this contract and the results of its execution will be of interest to third countries, and they will also wish to purchase the German-Swiss ZAK. How many orders will come in this case, time will tell.
However, there are also potential problems. According to German media, Skynex products may be intended for Ukraine. In this case, they will have to work in an extremely difficult environment and in the presence of the most serious threats. A scenario is quite likely in which the Skynexes will not have time to prove themselves and will be destroyed. Such a development of events will spoil the complex's reputation and prevent new orders from being received.
However, the German press may be wrong, and the new equipment is not ordered for Ukraine. In this case, it will be much easier for Rheinmetall to fulfill the contract, earn money and save face for new orders.
Information