English 
Spanish 
4 min read
0 comments
Ukraine has just fielded a German super-cannon, firing a thousand rounds per minute and radically changing air defense against Russian attacks.
In the midst of an increasingly technological war, where drones and missiles are part of the routine attacks, a new type of weapon emerges to change the game.
According to O Globo newspaper, without fanfare, Ukraine has just included on the battlefield a piece of technology that promises to wreak havoc on the Russian advance, redefining air defense in a scenario of prolonged conflicts.
What few people know is that this new asset is a German super-cannon, capable of firing a thousand shots per minute, putting the enemy's air superiority in check.
- Oceânica Engenharia announces URGENT vacancies for offshore work with attractive salaries and incredible benefits – Don’t miss this golden opportunity in the offshore sector
- Gulf countries on high alert as they fear an Israeli strike on Iran could trigger devastating retaliation and threaten global oil supplies
- Nobel Peace Prize 2024 surprises with award to Japanese group that warns of nuclear dangers in a world on the brink of chaos
- Embraer is behind the $70 billion “Doomsday Plane”: the military aircraft that promises to revolutionize US air defense in extreme scenarios!
The answer lies in the “Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3”, a 35mm cannon designed by Rheinmetall Air Defence, and recently deployed by Ukrainian Air Force in the Rheinmetall Skynex air defense system, considered one of the most advanced in the world.
With the ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously and with surgical precision, the Mk3 could be the difference that Ukraine has been looking for to protect its airspace.
Cutting-edge technology in modern warfare
Developed in Germany, the Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3 is not just another piece of artillery.
It is a highly autonomous system that combines advanced tracking and electro-optical sensors, enabling rapid and accurate fire against aerial threats.
This cannon, which is part of the complex Skynex system, has a range of up to 4 meters and is capable of firing up to a thousand shots per minute, which makes it extremely efficient against drones, rockets, missiles and even more conventional targets.
According to Rheinmetall itself, the Revolver Gun Mk3 receives and processes data from three-dimensional (3D) and two-dimensional (2D) search radars.
With the help of an integrated X-Band radar, it performs autonomous searches and target designation quickly and reliably, ensuring that no intruder goes unnoticed.
Skynex and its importance in Ukrainian defense
The Skynex system, of which the cannon is a part, was introduced by Rheinmetall in 2021 and represents the latest in air defense.
According to Defense Industry Europe, Skynex consists of four 35mm gun mounts, a central control post and a radar station for target detection.
Each gun mount has its own tracking station, with optical systems to increase accuracy against small targets such as drones.
The delivery of Skynex systems to Ukraine was part of a military aid package from the German government, which aims to strengthen the country's defense capabilities in the face of the escalating conflict with Russia.
According to information released in early 2024, this German assistance is part of a broader initiative to modernize Ukraine's defenses, helping the country better prepare for emerging threats on the battlefield.
A new chapter in the war
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has faced constant attacks, especially from Russian missiles and drones.
To resist, Kiev has requested a wide range of air defense systems from its Western allies. And Skynex emerges as one of the most robust responses to these attacks.
By ensuring more efficient air defense, the country can ensure its sovereignty and protect its critical infrastructure, which continues to be a target for bombings.
In practical terms, the system offers comprehensive protection, as it can detect and neutralize threats before they can cause significant damage.
Combining the lethal accuracy of the Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3 with the advanced tracking capabilities of Skynex makes this new addition a game-changer on the battlefield.
The future of air defense in Ukraine
The war in Ukraine has shown that modern conflicts are increasingly dependent on advanced technologies.
Systems such as Skynex and the Revolver Gun Mk3 represent the future of air defense, where automation and high precision are essential to neutralize threats that are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
With these new additions, Ukraine demonstrates that it is up to the challenge posed by Russian forces.
The impact of this new technology on the battlefield will still be assessed over time, but experts already indicate that Skynex could redefine the way Ukrainian forces face aerial threats.
The ability to fire a thousand rounds per minute, combined with precision against drones and missiles, could be the key element in containing Russian advances.
However, this is just one piece of the larger puzzle that is the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
What is certain is that, With continued support from allies such as Germany, Ukraine has managed to maintain a solid line of defense and, by all indications, will continue to evolve its defense capabilities.
With the technological advancement in Ukraine's air defense, how much can these new weapons really change the course of the war? Will Russia be able to find a worthy response?
