Ukraine is enhancing its air defense capabilities by incorporating German-donated Skynex systems, as revealed by recent footage amidst ongoing Russian drone and missile attacks.
Mykola Oleshchuk, the commander of Ukraine’s air force, shared a video over the weekend showcasing Ukrainian pilots launching air-to-air missiles, including long-range cruise missiles from Western sources, alongside various ground-based air defense systems.
Open-source intelligence and local media have indicated that some of the systems featured in the footage are part of the Skynex air defense unit.
According to the German government, Berlin has supplied Ukraine with two Skynex systems along with necessary ammunition. The first unit was delivered in 2023, while the second arrived in late April, per Rheinmetall, the system’s manufacturer.
Rheinmetall
The Skynex is a short-range air defense system ideal for situations where guided missiles may not be effective. Ukraine has consistently sought advanced air defense options from its Western partners, particularly the U.S. Patriot systems, renowned for their performance against aerial threats.
While Patriot systems can intercept hypersonic missiles, Ukraine also relies on smaller defense mechanisms designed to target drones, such as MANPADS and large-caliber anti-aircraft guns. The German-supplied Flakpanzer Gepard, a self-propelled anti-aircraft system, has received praise for its effectiveness on the battlefield.
With the variety of defense systems, Ukraine aims to counter different aerial threats effectively.
As Russia persists with missile and drone strikes, Ukraine faces challenges, including dwindling stockpiles of air defense missiles. “The enemy attacks us with bombs and missiles around the clock,” Oleshchuk noted over the weekend.
Skynex utilizes 35mm AHEAD ammunition, which is “considerably cheaper” than guided missile systems and remains unaffected by electronic countermeasures post-launch, according to Rheinmetall.
Drones, although typically slower, can overwhelm air defenses by entering in large groups and exploiting vulnerabilities, making their detection tricky.
Oleshchuk stated that since February 2022, Ukraine’s air force has successfully destroyed thousands of missiles and drones and hundreds of aircraft. “Ukrainian pilots have carried out over 20,000 combat missions,” he reported, emphasizing their focus on air defense and ground protection.
Additionally, Ukraine announced the arrival and initial operation of Western-supplied F-16 fighter jets, which are expected to bolster air defense efforts in the upcoming weeks.