Skynex system: Ukraine's cutting-edge defence in Kyiv skies
A video capturing the interception of drones or cruise missiles over Kyiv by an anti-aircraft system using programmable ammunition has surfaced online. The distinctive explosions, similar to fireworks, suggest the operation of the Skynex system. Let's explore its capabilities.
Ukraine has acquired at least two Skynex point-defense system batteries from Germany. These batteries are ideal for the economical interception of drones and cruise missiles and potentially even defeating FABs. This system advances the Gepard, featuring programmable ammunition and more advanced radars.
A video from the nighttime defence of Kyiv has emerged, showing the system in action against Russian targets. The characteristic missile explosions in four-round bursts suggest its deployment.
Skynex - economical solution for multiple targets
The Skynex system is the export version of the MANTIS systems used in Germany. It centers around the Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3 35 mm automatic cannon, which can fire 1000 rounds per minute using sub-caliber armor-piercing or programmable AHEAD ammunition.
With an effective range of up to 3 miles, this system can engage various targets, from drones and cruise missiles to aircraft, artillery shells, and bombs with robust steel casings.
The automatic cannon is guided to targets by radar or an electro-optical head equipped with a thermal sight and laser rangefinder. Targets are taken down, for instance, using a four-round burst, costing around tens of thousands of euros. While this may seem high, it is significantly cheaper than anti-aircraft missiles, which cost several hundred thousand euros or dollars.
The armour-piercing ammunition features small tungsten darts capable of penetrating over 4 inches of armoured steel, while the programmable variant contains tungsten balls surrounding an explosive. This charge is detonated by a fuse that is programmed to explode at a specific time, calculated by a sensor measuring the muzzle velocity of each projectile after considering radar data such as the target's velocity and distance.
The result is a literal "wall" of tungsten fragments several meters wide that can destroy drones or missiles just before they hit their target.
The complete turret system weighs 11,200 pounds, including 252 rounds of ammunition. When firing in four-round bursts, this is sufficient for multiple targets. To date, the system has mainly been presented in a stationary version, transported on trucks, with the Skyranger 30 variant, which has a lighter 30 mm cannon and slightly reduced specifications, being more popular.
Recently, interest has grown in mounting the turret system on heavier platforms, such as a Leopard 1A5 tank. A prototype developed a few months ago underwent firing tests at a training ground less than two weeks ago.
