Should Pakistan convert Skyguard to Skynex?

[Philip the Arab]

The Oerlikon Skynex air defence system comprises the Oerlikon Skynex control node, multi-sensor units (MSU) featuring active electronically scanned multi-mode radars (AMMR), multiple 35mm revolver guns RG Mk3 and HALCON’s SkyKnight C-RAM missiles and missile launchers, each of which has a capacity of 60 missiles. HALCON’s C-RAM missile is capable of tracking and neutralising numerous, multi-directional incoming targets at one time, providing protection for static assets, as well as for mobile and mechanised forces. Transportable and mobile, the system can be deployed fixed on land, sea and moving land platform.

It is used as the inner tier of layered air defence of vital points and critical military infrastructure. Countries that have rolled out Skyguard systems will ultimately upgrade to Skynex, placing HALCON, its SkyKnight C-RAM missile system, and the UAE at the forefront of air defence system innovation

HALCON’s SkyKnight was purposely designed to counter the full spectrum of modern threats, providing early warning signals and precise surface-to-air intercept capabilities targeting of rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) rockets, artillery, mortar, and other fixed-wing aircraft at a range of up to 10Km.

Advanced sensors + AHEAD ammo plus the Skyknight missile will allow many interceptions with up to 4 launchers per Skynex system for a total of 80 simultaneous launches(20 per launching unit) and a total of 240 missiles.

Preferably this would defend PAF airbases, and long range SAMs such as LY-80, and HQ-9.

 

[Philip the Arab]

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@Bilal Khan (Quwa)

Using existing GDF 35mm guns for the Skynex Pakistan could give Skyguard radars to any GDF guns without radars. This would be a cheaper solution than a new system that IMO would be very capable.

 

[Pandora]

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It is all about money. Currently efforts are being spent on big ticket items so these small procurements will have to take back seat for next 10-15 years.

 

[Philip the Arab]

It is all about money. Currently efforts are being spent on big ticket items so these small procurements will have to take back seat for next 10-15 years.

Good point, this will take a long time to be developed so that should allow it to be very mature if Pakistan ever acquires it.

It will likely be very widespread in the world market if succesful allowing cheaper costs, and better reputation.

Pakistan must be able to counter Indian cruise missiles very strongly if it wants its strategic assets to stay alive even under large saturation attacks.

 

[Pandora]

Good point, this will take a long time to be developed so that should allow it to be very mature if Pakistan ever acquires it.

It will likely be very widespread in the world market if successful.

Next procurement in air defense is related to high altitude interception something on lines of HQ9 SAMs. Pakistan has been laying ground work for it for over a decades, Last air chief even hinted about it before he retired. Sky guard was already upgraded along with guns inhouse so i doubt Pakistan plans for such a procurement. it seems kind of like something UAE would buy not Pakistan. Its kind of like a toy for gulf countries which have been struggling to get iron dome style defense system. Launching patriots against every incoming boggy like UAV and missile is a waste of money so that where this comes to play.

 

[Philip the Arab]

it seems kind of like something UAE would buy not Pakistan. Its kind of like a toy for gulf countries which have been struggling to get iron dome style defense system

Well it will be useful against attacks from RAM and UAVs, CMs, PGMs.

HQ-9 currently lacks the protection it needs to survive a saturation attack with dozens of cruise missiles.

Skyguard is simply not good enough and cant engage enough targets which is why Rheinmetall partnered with the UAE to offer a joint solution to counter modern threats. We have seen what happened to Armenian S-300s because they couldnt counter these threats.

Problem is SHORAD in PA is also not sufficient to protect against that either currently. UAE plans to use these to defend Patriots, and air bases suggesting nothing the Americans currently have is sufficient either.