Powerful “drone killer”: the price of the Skynex anti-aircraft complex has been announced

The German company Rheinmetall has revealed the details of a new contract for the supply of Skynex anti-aircraft complexes, which was previously concluded with the Italian Ministry of Defense. This was noted by the Defense Express portal.

According to experts, the cost of the first system, which includes four 35-mm fire installations, one sensor unit and a command post, is 73 million euros.

The option for three additional systems is estimated at 204 million euros – thus, one Skynex will cost 68 million euros. This amount includes the cost of ammunition, training and spare parts for the artillery complex.

At first glance, the price of Skynex may seem sky-high, but it is not. For comparison, we can recall how much other modern anti-aircraft systems cost.

For example, last year Spain signed a contract with Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace for the supply of one NASAMS III air defense system. The contract amount was an immodest 410 million euros.

Specialists also pay attention to the timing of the transfer of air defense systems. The first Skynex is reportedly to be delivered in the second quarter of 2026. 

“But the next three may be contracted during 2027. Thus, in addition to about 70 million euros for one Skynex, you still need to have about a year in reserve for waiting,” Defense Express experts believe. 

Skynex anti-aircraft complex – information

Skynex is an anti-aircraft artillery complex that was introduced in November 2021.

It is a networked air defense system with an open architecture. The main armament is remotely controlled 35-mm Oerlikon Mk3 anti-aircraft guns. 

They have an effective firing range of about 4,000 m and, according to experts, are one of the most effective means of combating drones. 

It is known that Ukraine has already received such air defense systems. In September, Ukrainian fighters showed how Skynex works as part of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.