The Italian Army has placed a EUR 73 million order with Rheinmetall Italia for an initial Skynex air defence system, Rheinmetall announced on 15 January 2025.
The contract, which includes the appropriate ammunition, training and maintenance services as well as spare parts, also features an option to supply three additional systems for EUR 204 million.
Each Skynex system consists of a sensor and tracking unit for air surveillance, a control station as a command-and-control centre and four 35 mm firing units. Skynex systems are designed to counter threats from missiles, artillery and mortar rounds, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and loitering munitions, both at static locations and to protect deployed contingents in operational areas.
The scheduled delivery of the pilot Italian system is to be completed during the second quarter of 2026, while the three optional follow-up systems could be “contractualised within 2027”, according to Rheinmetall.
Italy is the first NATO member to opt for Rheinmetall’s full Skynex air defence package, which includes the 35 mm Revolver Gun Mk3. The successful order is thus an important cornerstone in Rheinmetall’s strategy of establishing a new standard in the field of cannon-based air defences for international armed forces.
NATO member Romania also recently opted for Skynex but in combination with another type of weapon already in Romanian service (GDF-009 twin guns).
Rheinmetall noted that Skynex air defence systems are already proving their worth on the battlefield in service with the Ukrainian armed forces.
Rheinmetall already has a strong presence in Italy and generates annual sales of around EUR 1 billion there with three subsidiaries – including Rheinmetall Italia – and a total of around 1,500 employees at five locations.
