Italy orders Skynex air defence system – with an option for three more
The delivery of the first system is scheduled to be completed during Q2 2026. (Photo: Rheinmetall)
Skynex systems are designed to counter threats from missiles, artillery and mortars, as well as drones and loitering munitions.
Italy has ordered a Skynex air defence system, consisting of a sensor and tracking unit for air surveillance, a command-and-control (C2) station and four 35mm firing units, for €73 million (US$75 million). It also has a €204 million option for another three systems.
The first system is expected to be delivered in Q2 2026 and the three options could be exercised in 2027. The contract includes ammunition, training and maintenance services as well as spare parts.
Rheinmetall notes that Italy is the first NATO Member State to opt for Rheinmetall's Skynex technology including the Mk3 35mm gun, but fellow NATO member Romania also recently opted for Skynex, though with GDF-009 twin guns.
“Skynex air defence systems are already proving their quality to the Ukrainian armed forces in the harsh conditions of war, protecting people and property from airborne threats,” Rheinmetall said.
The order from Italy is seen by the company as an important step as it eyes other major programmes in the country.
Together with its partner company Leonardo, Rheinmetall is expecting large-volume orders to equip the Italian armed forces with combat vehicles, namely the Italian main battle tank requirement and the KF41 Lynx armoured infantry combat system.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Oshkosh reboots British Army vehicle bid and displays JLTV with new weapons]()
Oshkosh reboots British Army vehicle bid and displays JLTV with new weapons
The British Army’s light protected mobility (LPM) requirement, part of the Land Mobility Programme, has taken on a new focus with the medium requirement bumped off to be replaced by heavy. The LPM may now need to fill some of the gap between light and heavy.
-
![Netherlands to get step change in air defence capability with FFG ACSV selection]()
Netherlands to get step change in air defence capability with FFG ACSV selection
FFG’s tracked Armoured Combat Support Vehicle will form the backbone of the Netherlands’ new low-level air defences, Shephard has learned, with scope for further fleet expansion beyond the initial order.
-
![EuroTrophy systems contracted for Leopard 2A8 tank buyers as demand rises]()
EuroTrophy systems contracted for Leopard 2A8 tank buyers as demand rises
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the original designer and manufacturer of the system, states that more than 1,800 have been sold and, while not all customers are known, more than 1,000 of these have been bought by the US and Israel.
-
![Early prototype of General Dynamics M1E3 main battle tank displayed at Detroit auto show]()
Early prototype of General Dynamics M1E3 main battle tank displayed at Detroit auto show
The first prototype M1E3 main battle tank was handed over to the US Army for testing and evaluation earlier this year, and now a pre-prototype has been unveiled. What have we learned from the vehicle first seen on 14 January?
-
![Bulgaria to receive first Strykers in February as part of force equipment refresh]()
Bulgaria to receive first Strykers in February as part of force equipment refresh
The delivery of the Stryker infantry fighting vehicles will form one piece of the country’s effort to re-equip its forces, which includes F-16 fighter jets and new air defence systems.
-
![Rheinmetall KF41 Lynx fighting vehicles set for first taste of combat in Ukraine]()
Rheinmetall KF41 Lynx fighting vehicles set for first taste of combat in Ukraine
A June 2024 agreement with Ukraine for Rheinmetall to provide 10 KF41s along with the establishment of a manufacturing facility in the country has moved a step closer, with the factory now built and a contract signed.
