The Austrian Ministry of Defense has contracted the German company Rheinmetall to carry out a comprehensive modernization of its existing Skyguard air defense systems.
In the presence of Austrian Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner, both parties signed the contract for the Skyguard Next Generation project in Vienna. For Rheinmetall, the order represents sales of €532 million (excluding value-added tax), which can already be booked as an incoming order in December 2023. The contract covers a project period of 48 months from February 2024.
For the Austrian Army, the modernization of its low-level air defense system is an important step in its «Mission Forward» rearmament program to renew the country’s armed forces.
The order package for Austria comprises a total of seven tactical units, each consisting of four 35 mm guns, a sensor unit for airspace surveillance and a command post. In the process, twenty-eight 35 mm guns currently in the customer’s inventory will be upgraded to the latest technology. The contract also includes spare parts, training support and 35 mm AHEAD programmable ammunition. There is also a contractual option to order an additional tactical unit.
Skyguard Next Generation
The Skyguard Next Generation system is based on the modernization of the Austrian Army’s existing weapon systems. As part of a life extension program, its existing twin Oerlikon 35 mm guns will be fully modernized and connected to a high-performance target tracking capability and Rheinmetall’s Skymaster command system.
The command system allows the operator to build up a local picture, assess the threat situation and, in close coordination with the high-tech elements, open fire. Guided missiles can also be incorporated into the system. The entire system is highly mobile, ensuring maximum efficiency during military planning. The guns can be dismounted and/or operated remotely, keeping troops out of harm’s way while improving combat effectiveness.
