Rheinmetall announced in a press release: The Italian Army has decided to introduce Skynex air defense systems; the order for the supply of a first system with a total value of 73 million Euros has already been placed with Rheinmetall Italia SpA, Rome. The contract includes an option for the supply of three additional systems with a value of 204 million Euros.

A Skynex system consists of a sensor and tracking unit for air surveillance, a station that serves as a command and control center, and four 35 mm fire units. Skynex systems are designed to counter threats from missiles, artillery and mortars, as well as drones and loitering munitions, both for homeland defense and for the protection of contingents in operational areas.

The scheduled delivery of the pilot system is expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2026, while three follow-up systems, as an option, could be contracted by 2027. The delivery package includes appropriate ammunition, training and maintenance services, as well as spare parts. Italy, explains the German industry, is the first NATO member state to opt for Skynex technology, which includes the 35 mm Revolver Gun Mk3. Romania, also a NATO member, has recently opted for Skynex but in combination with another type of gun already in service there (the GDF-009 twin guns). Skynex are also already operational in the Ukrainian armed forces.

Rheinmetall, the press release states, is also well positioned in Italy in the field of heavy combat vehicles. Together with its partner company Leonardo, the German company expects large-volume orders to equip the Italian armed forces with combat vehicles. In addition, the industry is already strongly present in Italy and generates a turnover of around 1 billion euros with three subsidiaries, including Rheinmetall Italia, and a total of around 1,500 employees at five locations.

Skynex is a gun-based air defense system and is therefore particularly suitable for short-range protection, where guided weapons cannot function effectively. The 35 mm Revolver Gun Mk3 cannons have a rate of fire of 1000 rounds per minute and a range of up to 4 kilometers. The system uses programmable Ahead ammunition that is resistant to electronic countermeasures and ensures precise target engagement. In terms of cost-effectiveness, the ammunition is significantly more efficient than comparable missile systems. "The operational successes in Ukraine underline the efficiency with which the gun-based air defense system can defend itself from air targets, especially cruise missiles and drones", the statement emphasizes.

The system is based on the concept of separating airspace surveillance from effectors. Italy has opted for the configuration with the XTAR 3D radar that can monitor airspace in a range of up to 50 km. Thanks to its existing modularity, the required assets can be connected to the command and control network depending on the mission. The technology in question offers great autonomy in terms of sensors and effectors, with regard to the integration of a wide range of modern air defense systems into the system. The only requirement is the presence of a dedicated tracking unit.

In addition to individual sensors and effectors, existing air defense systems such as Rheinmetall's Skyshield and Skyguard families can also be integrated into the new architecture as fire units. The detected air situation is displayed in a remote command and control center on a map with the sensors and effectors positioned in the field, thus facilitating the assignment of a target to the air defense assets connected to the system.