Photo: Rheinmetall Air Defence

By The Smartencyclopedia Staff 

Source: Rheinmetall

The Romanian Ministry of Defence has entered into a significant contract with Rheinmetall, a leading technology enterprise based in Düsseldorf, to comprehensively modernize the country’s Oerlikon GDF 103 air defence artillery systems. Valued at approximately €328 million, this marks Rheinmetall’s inaugural major order from Romania, an esteemed member of NATO and the European Union.

The comprehensive contract includes the delivery of four state-of-the-art systems, along with associated training, spare parts, and additional services. Rheinmetall is committed to delivering two systems within the next two years, with the remaining two to be supplied within three years. The contract signifies a significant step forward for Rheinmetall in expanding its presence in Central Europe.

Armin Papperger, Chairman of the Executive Board of Rheinmetall AG, expressed satisfaction with the order, stating, “This substantial first-time order from the Romanian government widens our footprint in Central Europe. It also underscores Rheinmetall’s role as a leading supplier of ground-based air defence systems. Moreover, the order will bolster the defensive capabilities of the EU and NATO on Europe’s eastern flank, something we’re very happy about.”

The systems ordered consist of advanced components, including an Oerlikon Skymaster TLCN fire control system, an X-Band Tactical Acquisition Radar 3D (X-TAR3D), six 35mm GDF009 TREO Oerlikon Twin Guns equipped with autoloaders, and two heavy-duty special trucks designed for transporting the fire control system and the tracking radar.

Rheinmetall’s Skynex: A Cutting-Edge Air Defence Solution

At the core of Rheinmetall’s offering is the Skynex air defence solution, an upgraded version of the Oerlikon anti-aircraft artillery system. Skynex stands out as a modular and flexible ground-based air defence system, designed to safeguard stationary objects and installations in close and short ranges. Its advanced capabilities enable it to engage up to four targets simultaneously, including ground targets, making it a versatile solution for modern air defence needs.

Cannon-based air defence solutions within the Skynex product family excel in close-range operations, particularly where guided missiles may prove ineffective. These systems utilize Oerlikon rapid-fire automatic cannons with a remarkable rate of fire of 1,100 rounds per minute and a maximum effective range of up to 4,000 metres.

 

The success of cannon-based air defence, as highlighted by the aging 35mm Gepard antiaircraft tank in Ukraine, underscores the efficiency of this approach in countering aerial threats such as cruise missiles and drones. Skynex, representing a generational leap in sensor technology and networked deployment, stands as a testament to Rheinmetall’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving challenges of modern warfare.

The inclusion of Rheinmetall’s programmable time-delayed 35mm Ahead ammunition further enhances Skynex’s combat effectiveness, ensuring maximum precision against small, fast-moving targets. As Rheinmetall embarks on this transformative project with Romania, the collaboration is set to reinforce the nation’s air defence capabilities and contribute to the broader security landscape in Europe.