Ukraine's Air Force showcases Skynex anti-aircraft artillery system in action for the first time

Defense Express company writes about this.

Despite the fact that Ukraine received the first Skynex anti-aircraft systems from Rheinmetall in April 2023, and their supply of battery packs continued in the spring of 2024, their operation in the Ukrainian Armed Forces has remained non-public until now.

Only now, the Air Command West has shown an episode of Ukrainian anti-aircraft training at the training ground and episodes of its combat operation.

The published video captures the firing itself, which is characterized by an ultra-high rate of fire of 1,000 rounds per minute, as well as such important aspects as the aerial detonation of 35mm AHEAD ammunition, fire control systems, crew work, loading, etc.

“However, it should be noted that the Air Force does not use Skynex with a wheeled chassis, but as a stationary platform that can be transported. And given that this system is designed to cover point objects, this is quite logical, and also simplifies the maintenance of the chassis, which is required only for its transportation, and not to withstand all the overloads during firing,” Defense Express notes.

Loading of the Skynex is also shown, which is carried out in clips of 7 rounds of 35x228 mm. The footage clearly shows the size of the ammunition in question. It should be noted that each such ammunition weighs 1.7 kg, including 750 grams of the projectile itself. They have a muzzle velocity of 1050 m/s (3780 km/h) and cover a maximum range of 5 km in 8.2 seconds, with a self-destructor triggered in case of a miss.

The key feature of the Skynex system is its programmable detonation. Each munition is equipped with 152 tungsten fragments, each weighing 3.3 grams, which create a "cloud" of debris near the target, maximizing the chances of destroying it.

“The video also shows such features of the Skynex as automatic target tracking, which is carried out using an optical-location system that works in conjunction with a firing radar. It should also be noted that the Skynex is equipped with the X-TAR3D surveillance radar with a target detection range of up to 50 km,” the report says. 

The video also demonstrates the work of the calculation, which is located in a separate command center. The Skynex's firing unit is an unmanned combat module.

Defense Express notes that the Skynex system is a variation of the Skyranger, which is set to become a key component of the air defense network in the EU. It is a highly flexible system, allowing for the use of different calibers—30 mm and 35 mm—and the installation of additional anti-aircraft missiles, such as Iris-T, AIM-9X, or Stinger. The system's chassis can also be adapted, using platforms like the Boxer 8x8 or Pandur Evo 6x6 armored vehicles, along with interchangeable radar and optical sighting devices.