Rheinmetall Air Defence AG has agreed with Motorola Solutions’ Silvus Technologies unit to integrate its passive radio frequency (RF) sensors into the Skynex air defense system, adding another layer of threat detection to the close-range ground-based platform.
Integrating Silvus Technologies’ RFeye sensors will let the system detect and geolocate RF-emitting aerial threats without transmitting signals, reducing the risk of exposing sensor positions and improving survivability.
Integrated into the Skymaster command-and-control platform, the sensors will complement radar coverage, giving operators a more comprehensive, continuous air picture and a recognized electromagnetic picture.
“Modern airspace is becoming more congested and more difficult to monitor, driven by the proliferation of unmanned aircraft and hard-to-detect aerial technologies,” Rheinmetall Air Defence AG CEO Roman Köhne said.
“Traditional detection methods alone can struggle with identifying new and novel threats in complex operating conditions. Integrating passive RF sensing into Skymaster enhances air defenders’ ability to respond effectively to emerging aerial threats.”
RFeye Sensors
Passive RF sensors detect and geolocate hostile radio frequency emitters in real time without transmitting signals, allowing air defenders to maintain emissions control while gaining more time to respond to threats.
They complement conventional radar, whose emissions can reveal the location of the transmitting system, by providing persistent surveillance and electronic support measures.
Integrated into layered air defense networks, the sensors provide real-time RF intelligence and can support the find, fix, track, target, engage, and assess process.
Skynex Air Defense System
Rheinmetall’s cannon-based Skynex system is designed for close-range air defense, particularly in scenarios where guided missiles may be less effective.
The system has a maximum firing rate of 1,000 rounds per minute and an engagement range of up to 4 kilometers (2.5 miles).
It uses programmable airburst ammunition that is resistant to electronic countermeasures and enables precise target engagement. Compared with missile-based interceptors, the ammunition also offers a lower-cost means of defeating aerial threats.
Skynex can engage drones, missiles, and guided and unguided artillery shells, protecting critical infrastructure and deployed military forces.