The Austrian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has contracted Rheinmetall to conduct a comprehensive modernisation of its existing Skyguard air defence systems to the Skyguard Next Generation, the company announced on 12 December 2023.
The work, which is part of the Austrian Army’s ‘Mission Forward’ rearmament programme, is worth EUR 532 M, according to Rheinmetall, and will take 48 months to complete, starting in February 2024.
Skyguard Next Generation belongs to the Skynex family of products from Rheinmetall Air Defence. The order package for Austria comprises a total of seven tactical units, each consisting of two twin 35 mm guns, a sensor unit for monitoring airspace and a command post. In the process, 28 35 mm guns currently in the Austrian inventory will be upgraded to the latest standard. The contract also includes spare parts, training support and 35 mm ammunition. There is also a contractually agreed option for ordering an additional tactical unit.
“We’re delighted by this important market win for Skynex technology. In this flagship project, Austria is at the absolute forefront of anti-aircraft and counter-drone defence in Europe,” Armin Papperger, chairman of the executive board of Rheinmetall, was quoted by the company as saying. “This major order also highlights Rheinmetall’s key role in re-equipping the armed forces of Europe in response to new threats. Our solutions for stationary and mobile air defence are part of this.”
“We greatly appreciate the trust of our friends and partners in Austria,” added Oliver Dürr, CEO of Rheinmetall Air Defence in Zürich. “The Austrian Army’s decision in favour of Skyguard Next Generation is more than just a quantum leap; it opens the door to a whole dimension in anti-aircraft and counter-drone capabilities.”
To reach the Skyguard Next Generation standard, the Austrian Army’s existing twin 35 mm Oerlikon guns will be completely modernised and linked to a high-performance target tracking capability and Rheinmetall’s Skymaster command system.
Cannon-based air defence solutions from Rheinmetall’s Skynex family of products are especially appropriate for short-range operations, where guided missiles cannot be used effectively. The Skynex system encompasses airspace surveillance, a weapon engagement centre, and effectors. Featuring a rate of fire of 1,000 rounds per minute and a maximum effective range of up to 4,000 m, Oerlikon rapid-fire automatic cannons serve as the effectors for the system, which can be made even more effective through the use of Rheinmetall’s programmable 35 mm Ahead ammunition.
