Rheinmetall’s Skynex Shield Now Fully Deployed in Ukraine
German defense manufacturer Rheinmetall has finalized the transfer of all four Skynex air-defense systems pledged by the German government to Ukraine.
The Gaze reports this, referring to a statement made by the company’s CEO Armin Papperger.
The full set of systems is now operational and deployed primarily across western regions to shield critical energy infrastructure from ongoing Russian drone and missile strikes.
The Skynex platform, designed for close- and short-range air defense, integrates radar, fire-control technology, and rapid-fire anti-aircraft guns.
Its low-cost interception capability – particularly effective against loitering munitions and cruise missiles – has made it one of the most valuable assets in Ukraine’s layered air-defense grid.
Despite delays earlier in the year, Rheinmetall says the final two units reached Ukraine on schedule. However, Papperger noted that no further deliveries have been confirmed, leaving uncertainty around future German-funded air-defense packages.
Looking ahead, Rheinmetall is preparing to supply Ukraine with its new Skyranger 35 armored anti-aircraft system.
The first vehicle, financed by an unnamed EU state using proceeds from frozen Russian assets, is expected to arrive before year’s end, expanding Ukraine’s mobile air-defense capacities.
The company also continues to support Ukraine’s ground forces. Ukrainian combat engineers are currently training on the Biber (“Beaver”) bridge-layer, built on a Leopard 1 chassis, which enables armored units to cross rivers and obstacles within minutes.
Instructors say the system requires precision but can be mastered in weeks thanks to intensive, hands-on training.
As The Gaze reported earlier, Rheinmetall is set to accelerate the repair and restoration of Bradley infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine under a new $31 million U.S. Department of Defense contract. The project will test innovative field repair techniques inspired by Ukraine’s own wartime experience.
Read more on The Gaze: Rheinmetall in Ukraine: From Ammunition Plant to Strategic Partnership