The Austrian defence ministry has contracted with Rheinmetall to carry out a comprehensive modernization of its existing Skyguard air defence systems.
In the presence of Austrian minister of defence Klaudia Tanner, the two parties have now signed the contract for Project Skyguard Next Generation in Vienna.
For Rheinmetall the order represents sales of €532 million (without value added tax), which can already be booked as an incoming order in December 2023.
Notably, the contract encompasses a project period of 48 months starting in February 2024.
On behalf of Austria, a neighbouring nation and close partner of Germany, Rheinmetall will be conducting one of the most ambitious air defence projects in Europe.
For the Austrian Army, the undertaking is an important step in its “Mission Forward” rearmament programme to revamp the country’s armed forces.
To be noted that the Skyguard Next Generation belongs to the Skynex family of products from Rheinmetall Air Defence, the global leader in close-range air defence technology.
The order package for Austria comprises a total of seven tactical units, each consisting of four 35mm guns, a sensor unit for monitoring airspace and a command post.
In the process, twenty-eight 35mm guns currently in the customer’s inventory will be upgraded to the latest state of the art.
Further, the contract also includes spare parts, training support and 35mm ammunition. A contractually agreed option for ordering an additional tactical unit exists as well.
The Skyguard Next Generation system is based on existing weapons systems owned by the Austrian Army.
As part of a service life extension programme, its existing 35mm Oerlikon twin guns will be completely modernized and linked to a high-performance target tracking capability and Rheinmetall’s Skymaster command system.
Extraordinarily high-precision sensors make it possible to detect and identify aerial targets at an early stage.
The command system lets the operator build up a local picture, evaluate the threat situation and, in close coordination with high-echelon elements, open fire.
Besides, guided missiles can also be incorporated into the system.
The complete system is highly mobile, assuring maximum efficiency during military planning.
The guns can be dismounted and/or operated remotely, keeping troops well out of harm’s way while simultaneously improving combat effectiveness.
Skynex air defence systems
Cannon-based air defence solutions from the “Skynex” family of products are especially appropriate for short-range operations, where guided missiles cannot be used effectively.
The Skynex air defence systems encompasses airspace surveillance, a weapon engagement centre, and effectors.
Moreover, featuring a rate of fire of 1,000 rounds per minute and a maximum effective range of up to 4,000 metres, Oerlikon rapid-fire automatic cannon serve as the effectors
The success of the ageing 35mm Gepard antiaircraft tank in Ukraine underscores the effectiveness of cannon-based in countering aerial targets – especially cruise missiles and drones – and the continuing relevance of this capability today in close-range air defence.
Also, as compared with the Gepard, however, Skynex air defence systems offers a generational leap in terms of sensor technology as well as the possibility of networked application of multiple tactical units and inclusion in higher-echelon command and control systems.
Moreover, using Rheinmetall’s programmable 35mm Ahead ammunition gives Skynex a unique edge when it comes to successfully combatting aerial targets.
