Oerlikon guns are used in Ukraine

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The air defense system Skynex from Zurich-based Rheinmetall Air Defense was developed in Switzerland and is one of the most modern weapons to defend against drones and cruise missiles. It is particularly suitable where the use of guided missiles is not appropriate, for example in densely populated areas.

Research by the “Sonntagszeitung” now shows that the guns will soon be used in Ukraine. A Rheinmetall spokesperson confirmed that the company will deliver two Skynex systems to Ukraine by the end of the year. “The systems come from the production of the Italian site in Rome and are delivered from there,” said the spokesperson.

Special passage in regulation

This is made possible by a special passage in the National Ordinance on War Material, according to the State Secretariat of Economic Affairs. Article 7 there regulates the transfer of war material know-how from Switzerland to other countries. The list includes most European countries, including Italy.

This loophole allows Italian-made Oerlikon guns to be used in Ukraine. It is unclear whether they are already in active use there. In any case, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Schmihal (47) reported the operation on his Telegram channel. “We need such an effective weapon to defend ourselves,” he writes of photos showing him visiting Rheinmetall’s workshops in Italy. And further: “Such batteries are already in combat use in Ukraine.”

Debate on arms deliveries

The “Sonntagszeitung” also refers to a press release from the arms company in December. In it, it informs about a delivery of Skynex air defense systems “to an international customer” worth 182 million euros. without mentioning the country.

The delivery is likely to further fuel debate in Switzerland over arms supplies to Ukraine. There are several initiatives pending in parliament to allow the re-export of arms and ammunition to Ukraine. (SDA/rus)

Source:Blick