One of the world's most advanced short-range air defense systems, the Skynex, has already destroyed dozens of russian aerial threats while protecting Ukrainian airspace. New details released by Ukraine's West Air Command provide a rare look at the combat performance of the cutting-edge system, which has become an important part of the country's layered air defense network.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Ukraine was among the first countries to receive the Skynex system. Only six Skynex systems currently exist worldwide, with several of them now deployed in Ukraine to defend against persistent russian missile and drone attacks.
Read more: Ukraine Destroys russian S-400 Launcher Used in Missile Strikes on Kyiv (Video)
One of the batteries has already recorded 36 confirmed aerial kills, including 34 strike drones and two cruise missiles. The intercepted targets include russian Shahed loitering munitions as well as Kh-101 air-launched cruise missiles, both of which have been extensively used in attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
Developed by Germany's Rheinmetall, Skynex is designed to counter modern aerial threats ranging from drones to cruise missiles. Rather than relying on traditional missile interceptors, the system employs a highly automated 35 mm cannon paired with advanced radar, sensors, and fire-control software capable of engaging targets with remarkable precision.
Ukrainian operators describe the system as requiring minimal human intervention during an engagement. Once a target is detected, Skynex automatically tracks its range, altitude, speed, and trajectory before calculating the optimal interception point and the precise moment to open fire.
Its effectiveness is largely attributed to programmable airburst ammunition. Before each shot is fired, every projectile is programmed with the target's flight data. The round then detonates near the target, releasing a cloud of preformed tungsten sub-projectiles that significantly increases the probability of destroying fast-moving and maneuvering aerial threats while minimizing ammunition expenditure.
The combination of automation, precision targeting, and advanced ammunition has allowed Skynex system to prove itself against some of russia's most common attack weapons. As drone and cruise missile strikes remain a constant challenge for Ukraine, systems like Skynex provide a cost-effective complement to long-range missile-based air defenses.
With only a handful of Skynex systems in existence, Ukraine's successful combat use of the platform offers one of the first real-world demonstrations of its capabilities. Ukrainian air defenders say the system continues to expand its tally of intercepted targets, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most capable gun-based air defense systems currently in service.
Read more: Ukraine Hits russian Rubikon Drone Training Hub in Pokrovsk Used to Prepare UAV Crews (Video)
