Rheinmetall has been awarded by an international customer to supply Skyguard 3 air defence systems through a contract worth approximately 65 million euros.

According to the company’s announcement, the deliveries, which also include AirBurst ammunition and spare parts, are scheduled to be completed in 2024. 

The systems ordered are Oerlikon Skyguard 3 with 35mm GDF 009 twin guns and airburst-capable AHEAD ammunition, also produced by Rheinmetall.

It is noted that an older version of the Oerlikon GDF anti-aircraft gun has been in continuous service since 1991 with the National Guard integrated into the “OTHELLOS” system (click for more info), as it was named by the National Guard itself. The gun in question is also in service with the Hellenic Air Force, integrated into the “VELOS” system. 

The Skyguard system consists of the Skyguard 3 radar and fire control unit, 2 to 4 OERLIKON GDF guns capable of using AHEAD ammunition and/or Very Short Range Air Defence Missile Launchers (VSHORAD) such as the Cheetah.

At this point, it should be noted that the DEFENCE ReDEFiNED team has previously presented upgrade options for the said weapon system and specifically the OERLIKON anti-aircraft gun and the Skyguard radar, which you can find in the link below.

Also read: Ahead® ammunition and the prospect of upgrading “OTHELLOS” for the National Guard | Photos & VIDEO