On January 7, 2025, the Italian Land Forces Procurement Directorate signed an agreement to purchase in the United States through the American intergovernmental foreign military Sales program Foreign Military Sales (FMS) an additional 14 combat vehicles of the M142 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) land-based missile system manufactured by Lockheed Martin Corporation. Earlier in February 2024, Italy ordered the first seven combat vehicles of the HIMARS missile system through FMS, so the current purchase brings their total number to the originally planned 21 units. The number and types of guided missiles ordered were not disclosed.
An M142 HIMARS missile combat vehicle from the 14th Marine Regiment of the 4th Reserve Division of the United States Marine Corps during deployment in Italy during joint exercises with the Italian San Marco Marine Brigade. Decimomannu (Sardinia, Italy), 05/17/2024 (c) Emely Gonzalez / US Marine Corps
Purchases of HIMARS complexes are made in accordance with the long-term concept for the development of the Italian land forces for 2020-2035 (Concetto Operativo dell'esercito Italiano 2020-2035). According to a document submitted by the Italian Ministry of Defense to the Italian Parliament in October 2023, 960 million euros were planned to be allocated for the entire program for the purchase of HIMARS complexes, including 21 combat vehicles, support vehicles and an unnamed number of GMLRS and ATACMS missiles, of which the first 137 million euros (according to other sources, 145 million euros) were allocated in the 2024 budget.
In December 2023, the US Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) sent a notification to the US Congress about the planned upcoming sale to Italy through FMS at the request of the Italian government of 21 combat vehicles of HIMARS missile systems with a total estimated value of $ 400 million, including training and technical support packages, but without missile ammunition..
Currently, the Italian army has 21 upgraded M270A1 MLRS-I missile combat vehicles, for which a significant number of GMLRS correctable missiles have been purchased since 2011. The division (18 M270A1 combat vehicles) is part of the 5th Superga Field Artillery Regiment in Portogruaro near Venice, being the only deployed unit of the regiment. It is reported that with the arrival of the HIMARS missile systems, expected from 2026, a second division will be formed as part of the regiment.
In addition, the Italian army has awarded the Italian branch of Rheinmetall Group (Rheinmetall Italia, formerly Oerlikon Contraves) a contract worth 73 million euros for the purchase of one set of 35 mm portable anti-aircraft artillery complex Skynex, with an option for three more sets worth 204 million euros. The ordered Skynex complex is to be delivered in the second quarter of 2026, and the three optional ones, if contracted, in 2027.
The Skynex complex represents a further development of the Skyranger 35 (Skyshield) family of missiles based on the artillery module with the Oerlikon Revolver Gun (Millenium, GDM-008) 35mm automatic revolver cannon, currently available in the latest version of the Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk 3. The actual developer of the cannon and complexes based on it is the Rheinmetall Air Defense division - the former well-known Swiss company Oerlikon, absorbed by Rheinmetall in 2001.
The Oerlikon Revolver Gun fires programmable projectiles AHEAD, which makes it particularly effective for hitting small air targets. It is claimed that from one to three 35 mm programmable projectiles are enough to effectively destroy one small UAV, while the cost of one such projectile is now about 4,000 euros. The effective firing range is up to 4.5 km.
Skynex, first introduced in 2016, is a "networked" containerized complex based on artillery modules with the Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk 3 35mm automatic revolver cannon, and is designed primarily to destroy rocket and artillery ammunition, as well as cruise missiles and UAVs. The complex includes a new automated Oerlikon Skymaster combat control system with a separate CN-1 command post, a new Oerlikon X-TAR3D X-band detection radar (developed and manufactured by Rheinmetall Italia), and several (in the Italian configuration - four) 35-mm artillery modules with integrated electro-optical and radar fire control systems. All elements are made in a transportable containerized design, while artillery modules can also fire from automobile chassis. Skynex's network capabilities allow it to connect various types of other detection and destruction devices, including various types of air defense systems.
The first recipient of Skynex's order was Qatar, which ordered two complexes under a 2019 contract worth 210 million euros, presumably delivered in 2022. Ukraine became the second recipient of Skynex under a contract dated December 2022 for two complexes, funded by the German government in the amount of 194 million euros. The complexes were delivered to Ukraine in January and April 2024 and are being used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in combat operations. At the end of 2023, Rheinmetall Group received a contract under a similar scheme with German government financing for the supply of two more Skynex aircraft to Ukraine in 2025.
The combat module of one of the two Rheinmetall Skynex 35mm anti-aircraft artillery systems received by Ukraine during practical firing ranges, September 2024 (c) social networks
