Austria will upgrade its Skyguard air defence systems in what Rheinmetall has described as “one of the most ambitious air defence projects in Europe’.

The Austrian Defence Ministry has contracted with Rheinmetall to carry out a comprehensive modernisation of its existing Skyguard air defence systems. In the presence of Austrian Minister of Defence Klaudia Tanner, the two parties signed the contract for Project Skyguard Next Generation in Vienna.

For the Austrian Army, the project is an important step in its “Mission Forward” rearmament programme to revamp the country’s armed forces. Armin Papperger, chairman of the executive board of Rheinmetall, said it is 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. 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.” 

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 four 35 mm guns, a sensor unit for monitoring airspace and a command post. In the process, 28 35mm guns currently in the customer’s inventory will be upgraded. The contract also includes spare parts, training support and 35 mm ammunition. A contractually agreed option for ordering an additional tactical unit exists as well. 

For Rheinmetall, the order represents sales of approximately €532 million, which can already be booked as an incoming order in December 2023. The contract spans 48 months commencing in February 2024.  

Oliver Dürr, CEO of Rheinmetall Air Defence in Zürich, said 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.” 

Rheinmetall said Austria is getting a custom-built, pathbreaking solution for close-range air defence. “The order is a significant gain for our company”, declares Dürr, “and especially for our Zürich plant, which is responsible for carrying out the project, where it will make a decisive contribution to capacity utilisation.” 
The Skyguard Next Generation system is based on existing weapons systems owned by the Austrian Army. As part of a service life extension programme, its existing 35mm Oerlikon twin guns will be completely modernised and linked to a high-performance target tracking capability and Rheinmetall’s Skymaster command system. 

According to Rheinmetall, extraordinarily high-precision sensors make it possible to detect and identify aerial targets at an early stage. The command system lets the operator build up a local picture, evaluate the threat situation and, in close coordination with high-echelon elements, open fire. Guided missiles can also be incorporated into the system. 

The complete system is highly mobile, assuring maximum efficiency during military planning. The guns can be dismounted and/or operated remotely, keeping troops well out of harm’s way while simultaneously improving combat effectiveness.

Cannon-based air defence solutions from the “Skynex” family 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 fire rate of 1,000 rounds per minute and a maximum effective range of up to 4,000 metres, the Oerlikon rapid-fire automatic cannon serves as the effectors.

 
Rheinmetall says the Skynex offers a generational leap in terms of sensor technology as well as the possibility of networked application of multiple tactical units and inclusion in higher-echelon command and control systems. Moreover, using Rheinmetall’s programmable 35 mm Ahead ammunition gives Skynex a unique edge when it comes to successfully combatting aerial targets.