Filmed in an undisclosed location at an unspecified time, the video<\/a> published on July 12 shows Ukrainian soldiers shooting down multiple Russian targets with a Skynex system. <\/p>\n “Target hit. Target destroyed,” a Ukrainian Skynex operator repeats as the mobile gun makes contact with at least seven Russian Shahed-type drones<\/a>. <\/p>\n The Air Force praised the ability of Skynex to defend Ukraine’s skies, calling its results “inspiring.” <\/p>\n “Rheinmetall’s Skynex anti-aircraft artillery complex in service with the Air Force shows impeccable results in destroying enemy strike UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles),” the Air Force wrote via Telegram. <\/p>\n “We will keep the time and place a secret, but, as you can see in the footage, the productive work of the 35-mm automated anti-aircraft gun is quite inspiring for our sky defenders!” <\/p>\n Ukraine’s Skynex air defense system intercepts multiple Russian drones at an undisclosed date and time. (Ukraine’s Air Force \/ Telegram)<\/p>\n According to its German manufacturer Rheinmetall<\/a>, Skynex is a “networked air defense” that provides “a highly effective layered protection shield against a wide spectrum of air threats” and serves as “the necessary answer against saturation and swarm attacks in the future.”<\/p>\n The Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3<\/a> <\/strong>mounted to a Skynex battery can fire up to 1,000 rounds of ammunition per minute with a range of 4,000 meters. Skynex fires 35-mm Oerlikon Ahead<\/a> rounds, which explode just before they reach their target. This releases a cluster of tungsten sub-projectiles which increases the chances of successfully destroying the drone.<\/p>\n The Air Force previously released video footage of the Skynex in action<\/a> in September 2024.<\/p>\n The German government transferred its second Skynex air defense system to Ukraine<\/a> in late April 2024. The two systems are currently the only units in operational use in the world. <\/p>\n The Air Force’s video comes as Ukraine’s critical need for air defense<\/a> systems takes on new urgency amid increasingly frequent and deadly Russian aerial attacks. For three nights in a row, Russia has slammed Ukraine with mass missile and drone strikes<\/a>, targeting Kyiv and cities far from the front lines. <\/p>\n German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on July 10 that Berlin is ready to purchase Patriot air defense systems<\/a> from the United States and transfer them to Ukraine due to Russia’s escalating aggression. <\/p>\n Kyiv has repeatedly urged Western partners to expand air defense coverage as Ukrainian cities withstand night after night of Russian bombardments. <\/p>\n