BELFAST — The Italian Army has placed an order with the Italian branch of Germany’s Rheinmetall for a first Skynex air defense system, part of a wider contract that includes an option to acquire an additional three platforms, according to a statement released by the manufacturer today.
Rheinmetall noted that the option “could” be signed in 2027 and if finalized the entire acquisition will have a value of almost €280 million ($289 million). The Italian Ministry of Defence did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The initial system under contract, dubbed a “pilot” platform, is worth €73 million and is scheduled for first delivery in Q2 2026. The deal also covers related items including ammunition, spare parts, training, and maintenance services.
The Italian buy marks the first NATO country to buy the air defense system, which led the company to state “The successful order is thus an important corner stone in Rheinmetall’s strategy of establishing a new standard in the field of cannon-based air defence for international armed forces.”
Each Skynex system comprises of a sensor and tracking unit for air surveillance, a control station and four Revolver Gun Mk3 35mm firing units. From a capability perspective, the automatic cannon boasts a rate of fire of 1,000 rounds per minute and a range of up to 4km.
“Skynex is based on the concept of separating the airspace surveillance from the effectors,” added Rheinmetall. “Italy has opted for the configuration with the XTAR 3D radar from Rheinmetall, which can monitor the airspace in a radius of up to 50 km.”
Skynex is already under contract with Austria, Romania, Qatar and, most notably, Ukraine.
In the statement, Rheinmetall claimed Skynex systems “are already proving their quality to the Ukrainian armed forces in the harsh conditions of war, protecting people and property from airborne threats.” Skynex, said the company, has delivered “operational successes” over the course of the conflict with Russia, “especially” against cruise missiles and drones.
Defense cooperation between Rheinmetall and Italy is particularly robust as the two have also linked arms on heavy combat vehicle projects.
In that regard, the manufacturer said it is “expecting large-volume orders” corresponding to Italy’s main battle tank and Lynx armored infantry combat system programs.