The Italian Army has decided to adopt air defense systems Skynex by Rheinmetall. The order for the supply of a first system, with a total value of 73 million euros, has been formalized at Rheinmetall Italia SpA, based in Rome. The contract includes an option for the supply of three additional systems for a value of 204 million euros.
A system Skynex It consists of a sensor and tracking unit for air surveillance, a control station as a command and control center, and four 35 mm fire units. The Skynex systems are designed to counter threats from missiles, artillery, mortars, drones and loitering munitions, both for homeland defense and for the protection of contingents in operational areas.
The pilot system is scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2026, while the three subsequent, optional systems could be contracted by 2027. The package includes ammunition, training and maintenance services, as well as spare parts.
Italy is the first NATO member state to adopt the technology Skynex of Rheinmetall, including the Revolver Gun Mk3 35 mm. This order is a crucial element in Rheinmetall's strategy to set a new standard in machine gun-based air defense for international armed forces. Romania, also a NATO member, has recently chosen Skynex in combination with another type of machine gun already in service (the double-barreled GDF-009). Air defense systems Skynex They are already proving their quality in Ukraine, protecting people and infrastructure from air threats in difficult war conditions.
Rheinmetall is also well positioned in Italy in the field of heavy combat vehicles. In collaboration with its partner company Leonardo, Rheinmetall is planning large-volume orders for the equipment of the Italian armed forces with combat vehicles, in particular the main battle tank (MBT) and the armored fighting system for infantry. Lynx (AICS).
Rheinmetall already has a strong presence in Italy, generating a turnover of around 1 billion euros with three subsidiaries – including Rheinmetall Italia – and a total of around 1.500 employees spread across five locations.
The Skynex Air Defense System
Skynex It is a machine gun-based air defense system, particularly suited to short-range protection, where guided weapons cannot operate effectively. Revolver Gun The 3mm Mk35 has a rate of fire of 1.000 rounds per minute and a range of up to 4 kilometers. The system uses programmable ammunition Ahead, resistant to electronic countermeasures, ensuring precise target engagement. In terms of cost-effectiveness, the munitions are significantly cheaper than missile-based systems.
Operational successes in Ukraine highlight the system's effectiveness in countering air targets, particularly cruise missiles and drones.
Skynex is based on the concept of separation between airspace surveillance and effectors. Italy has chosen the configuration with Rheinmetall's XTAR 3D radar, which can monitor airspace in a radius of up to 50 km.
Thanks to the existing modularity, the required assets can be connected to the command and control network depending on the mission. Skynex offers great autonomy in terms of sensors and effectors, allowing the integration of a wide range of modern air defense systems. The only requirement is the presence of a dedicated tracking unit.
In addition to individual sensors and effectors, existing air defense systems, such as families Skyshield e Skyguard from Rheinmetall, can be integrated into the new architecture as fire units. The detected air situation is displayed in a remote command and control center on a map with the sensors and effectors positioned in the field, simplifying the assignment of targets to the air defense assets connected to the system.
