A German-made Skynex air defense system (Photo: Drive).
The German government announced a new aid package for Ukraine last week. The aid package includes various types of weapons such as Marder armored vehicles, tanks, 155mm artillery pieces, small arms ammunition, reconnaissance radars, military trucks, and rifles.
The aid package aims to help Ukraine improve its air defense capabilities against Russia's fierce air strikes. Notably, it includes two Skynex air defense systems. This is a complex that Ukraine has long requested aid from Germany, but has only just received it.
Skynex or more precisely Oerlikon Skynex is a mobile modular anti-aircraft artillery system manufactured by the German corporation Rheinmetall. Skynex components can be easily disassembled and transported on the battlefield.
The Skynex system uses the Oerlikon X-TAR3D situational awareness and detection radar, which has a range of up to 50km and is linked via a command post equipped with a control system.
The system can operate independently or closely connect with other air defense systems to receive or transmit targeting information, thereby allowing integration into Ukraine's main air defense structure.
Skynex is one of the newest short-range air defense systems in the world , first introduced in 2016. It is equipped with 4 Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk 3 35mm automatic cannons with various 35x228mm ammunition. These guns have a rate of fire of 1,000 rounds/minute with an effective range of 5km.
According to the manufacturer, Skynex is effective against aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, anti-radar or anti-ship missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. Therefore, Skynex is considered highly effective in helping Ukraine protect strategically important infrastructure in the current conflict with Russia.
The new aid package was announced by Germany in the context of Russia resuming a large-scale attack campaign in Ukraine. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly affirmed that the country's top priority is to strengthen its air defense capabilities. Kiev has called on Western countries to provide more modern air defense systems.
Late last month, the British military announced that it would provide an additional 200 ASRAAM air defense missiles to Ukraine.
"Russia is testing Ukraine's defense capabilities. Now is the time to unite and redouble our efforts, giving Ukraine what it needs to win," British Defense Secretary Grant Shapp stressed.
The ASRAAM missile is designed to be launched from British Typhoon fighter jets and US-made F-35 fighter jets. However, last year, Britain developed ground-launched air defense systems for Ukraine’s needs and trained the Ukrainian military to operate them.
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