IDEX 2025: Skyknight air-defence system undergoes testing

The Skyknight air-defence system offers a containerised launcher that houses up to 64 missiles. (Janes/Christopher Petrov)

Halcon, Edge's missile design entity, presented its Skyknight air-defence system at the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) 2025 held in Abu Dhabi from 17 to 21 February. A representative of Edge confirmed that test-firing has already commenced for the missile.

The Skyknight air-defence system is built in co-operation with Rheinmetall Air Defence of Switzerland, with Skyknight integrating into Rheinmetall's Skynex air-defence system. The Skyknight missile is connected within a fire unit that also utilises the Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk 3, with both being guided by an Oerlikon Multi Sensor Unit (MSU) that combines an array of active electronically scanned array (AESA) search radars with an electro-optical sensor.

The Skyknight missile has a maximum interception range of 10 km, depending on the size, velocity, and altitude of the target, according to Halcon. The 36 kg missile uses an active radar homing seeker, giving it an independent source of guidance in its terminal stage. The revolver guns form an additional layer of very-short-range air defence, and can offer a cost-effective alternative to the missile effectors with Rheinmetall's advanced hit efficiency and destruction (AHEAD) ammunition. A fire unit of the system could include the MSU, a control node unit, four revolver guns, and four missile launch units (MLUs). The MSU, control node unit, and MLUs are all based on standardised ISO containers.

Firing tests for the missile have already begun with testing set to continue over the next few weeks, expanding to include interception trials. By the end of 2026 Edge expects the missile to be fully qualified.

For more information, please seeIDEX 2021: Halcon to provide C-RAM missile for Rheinmetall for air defenceandSkyshield .