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The global defence contractor has been tasked with shoring up the aerial defences of an international customer.
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Rheinmetall has been awarded a €182 million (AU$282 million) contract for the supply of two Skynex air defence systems to an undisclosed international customer.
The system is expected to be delivered in early 2024.
Separately, a memorandum of understanding was signed for the procurement of HX trucks for an estimated €12 million ($AU18.6 million) — to be delivered alongside the Skynex system.
Skynex is designed to offer short-range strike capability, responding when guided missiles are ineffective.
The capability also supports 35mm Ahead ammunition — also developed by Rheinmetall — which is resistant to electronic countermeasure technologies.
According to Rheinmetall, the success of the self-propelled Flakpanzer Gepard anti-aircraft system in Ukraine is a demonstration of the effectiveness of 35mm gun-based air defence against aerial targets.
The Skynex system also reportedly enables integration of radar equipment from various manufacturers, supporting an array of air defence weapons.
Existing air defence systems, including the Skyshield and Skyguard platforms, can also be built into the new architecture as fire units.
This latest Skynex contract is among a number of international orders secured by Rheinmetall in recent months.
Last month, Dutch shipbuilder Damen Naval contracted Rheinmetall for the delivery of eight of the 27mm calibre MLG27-4.0 light naval gun systems for the F126 frigates currently under construction for the German Navy, with each vessel expected to house two of the weapons systems.
The contract is expected to be valued in the two-digit million-euro range, with the ability to be extended to two additional frigates.
The weapon is part of Rheinmetall’s SeaSnake RCWS weapons family and is based on a remotely controlled BK-27M revolver gun. The system can fire up to 1,700 rounds per minute.
[Related: Rheinmetall contracted to supply weapons systems for the F126 frigate]
