Italy has made history in the defense field by being the first country to receive the Skynex anti-aircraft defense system, developed by the technology company Rheinmetallbased in Düsseldorf (Germany). It was delivered, as indicated by the company itself, on December 18 to the Air Defense Artillery Command.
In this way, the Italian Army, which has completed “an operational milestone”, will have the capacity to defend against short and “very close range” air attacksa highly effective countermeasure against drones that “as seen in the war in Ukraine, plays a vital role in current conflicts.”
In this way, Italy officially becomes the first country of the Atlantic Alliance in incorporating this new generation technology, reforming its commitment to anti-aircraft defenses that complement its surface-to-air missile system.
Main features
According to , this defense system is based on cannons, functioning much better in terms of protection at close range than guided weapons. They are the 35-millimeter Revolver Gun Mk3 cannons that have a firing rate of up to 1,000 shots per minute and a range of 4 kilometers.
Additionally, the ammunition is resistant to electronic countermeasures, so “ensures a precise attack on the target”. The Germany-based company claims it is more efficient than “comparable” missile-based systems. They give as an example the operational successes in Ukraine, whose cannon-based defense system is being effective.
A radar… Also Rheinmetall
Italy has chosen the 3D XTAR radar, also from Rheinmetallwhich has the capacity to monitor airspace within a radius of 50 kilometers. Additionally, it feeds the system with a solid aerial image.
Its concept is about separate airspace surveillance from effectors and its modularity allows the necessary resources to be connected to the command and control network, depending on what is needed in the mission.
