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Germany’s Drone Killer in Action: Ukraine Deploys Skynex to Destroy 7 Russian Shaheds Overnight
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
The Ukrainian Air Force has released footage showcasing the successful operation of the German-made Skynex air defense system against Russian Shahed-type loitering munitions.
According to Ukraine’s Air Force Command on July 12, the Rheinmetall-developed Skynex anti-aircraft artillery complex has demonstrated consistent effectiveness in intercepting enemy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The time and location of the intercepts were not disclosed, but officials confirmed the system’s performance has met operational expectations.
Air defense units destroyed 319 Shahed drones and 25 cruise missiles during the night of July 11–12—one of the most intense and successful air defense operations to date. Footage released by Ukraine’s Air Force shows the Skynex system intercepting at least seven of the incoming drones.
Skynex is a short-range air defense (SHORAD) system developed by Germany’s Rheinmetall Air Defense. Introduced in 2021, it is primarily intended to defend key infrastructure from aerial threats such as drones, cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions. In Ukraine, the system is deployed for site protection, including airfields and critical infrastructure.
The core component of Skynex is the Oerlikon Mk3 — a 35mm automatic cannon capable of firing up to 1,000 rounds per minute with an effective range of up to 4 kilometers.
The system uses programmable AHEAD (Advanced Hit Efficiency and Destruction) ammunition, which detonates near its target to release a cloud of sub-projectiles, increasing the likelihood of destroying small, fast-moving drones.
A typical Skynex battery includes four gun modules, a command post, and a radar unit responsible for early target detection and gunfire control. Each gun module is equipped with its own radar and electro-optical targeting system, enabling autonomous target acquisition and engagement.
According to Rheinmetall, AHEAD rounds are designed to counter low-cost UAVs and are less susceptible to electronic countermeasures. The cost per engagement is estimated at approximately €4,000 — significantly lower than missile-based air defense systems such as IRIS-T.
The Ukrainian Air Force has published video footage illustrating Skynex’s performance, showing short bursts from the system effectively neutralizing Shahed drones. The footage also highlights the role of the AHEAD munitions, which are programmed in the barrel and detonate at a calculated point in space near the target to maximize impact.
Skynex has been integrated into Ukraine’s broader layered air defense architecture to address the growing threat of mass drone attacks targeting military and civilian infrastructure.
Earlier, on September 25, 2024, Ukraine’s Air Command “West” released footage of Skynex air defense systems during training exercises. The two systems, financed by the German government at a cost of €182 million, were delivered to Ukraine in 2024 and remain the only units in operational use worldwide.
