German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall has signed a 532-million-euro ($572 million) deal with Austria to modernize its air defense systems.
Under Project Skyguard Next Generation (Skynex), Austria will acquire seven tactical units equipped with four 35mm guns, a sensor unit for airspace monitoring, and a command post.
Skynex’s cannon-based air defense capabilities will primarily utilize guided missiles for short-range operations, taking on targets up to 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) away with a firing rate of 1,000 rounds per minute.
Additional upgrades will also be performed on Vienna’s 28 35mm guns.
Work for the contract is scheduled to begin in February 2024 and end in 2026.
Stronger Defenses
The upgrade will modernize the country’s Oerlikon Skyguard, a network of air defense capabilities consisting of command centers, ballistic weaponry, and tracking sensors.
Rheinmetall Air Defence AG Zurich CEO Oliver Dürr said that the contract is a major step forward in Austria’s mission to bolster its defenses.
“We greatly appreciate the trust of our friends and partners in Austria. The Austrian Army’s decision in favour of Skyguard Next Generation is more than just a quantum leap – it opens the door to a whole dimension in antiaircraft and counter-drone capabilities,” he said.
Modernizing Austria
Austria’s “Mission Forward” program has focused on equipping the force with state-of-the-art armaments to build a modern army.
In May, the country also signed a logistics vehicles deal with Rheinmetall amounting to 525 million euros ($574 million).
