Rheinmetall Wins International Order for Skyguard 3 Air Defence Systems

Rheinmetall has won €65 million to deliver Skyguard air defence systems to an international customer.

The deliveries, which also include ammunition and spare parts, are scheduled to be completed in 2024. The total value of the order is around €65 million.

The systems ordered are Oerlikon Skyguard 3 with GDF009 twin guns and airburst-capable airburst-capable Advanced Hit Efficiency and Destruction (AHEAD) ammunition, also produced by Rheinmetall.

As the third-generation Skyguard system, Skyguard 3 is optimised for inner-tier air defence and base/fixed-asset protection. The fire-control unit in Skyguard 3 connects up to four effectors.

The twin 35mm guns have a maximum rate of fire of 1,100 rounds per minute.

AHEAD ammunition is designed specifically for small, very low and fast-flying targets such as UAVs, loitering munitions and missiles. A single AHEAD round ejects a lethal shower of 152 spin-stabilised sub-projectiles, each weighing 3.3g.