German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall has secured a contract to modernize Austria’s Skyguard air defense systems.
The company signed the contract valued at $570 million with the Austrian defense ministry in Vienna. Klaudia Tanner, Austrian minister of defense, was present during the event.
“In this flagship project, Austria is at the absolute forefront of anti-aircraft and counter-drone defense in Europe,” said Armin Papperger, chairman of the executive board of Rheinmetall AG.
Skyguard is part of Rheinmetall’s Skynex family of air defense systems. The technology is primarily deployed for short-range operations. According to Rheinmetall, Skynex is capable of firing 1,100 rounds per minute with a maximum effective range of 4,000 meters.
Under the contract, the company will provide the Austrian defense ministry with seven tactical units, each equipped with four 35 mm guns, sensors for monitoring airspace and a command post.
Austria will also acquire spare parts, additional 35 mm ammunition and training support. In addition, Rheinmetall will upgrade the 35 mm Oerlikon twin guns already in the Austrian army’s arsenal to support high-performance target tracking and the Skymaster command system.
Work will begin in early 2024 and end in 2026.