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DUBAI, November 14, 2021 (WAM) – EDGE group entity, HALCON, a regional leader in the production and supply of precision guided weapons, has announced the successful completion of a series of major developments for its system SkyKnight air defense missile, which include the completion of the concept design of the naval missile system.
The updates were provided at the 2021 Dubai Airshow, where HALCON detailed the significant progress made by SkyKnight, which was first unveiled at the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi in February. . The very first anti-rocket, artillery and mortar (C-RAM) missile system designed and manufactured by the United Arab Emirates, SkyKnight has been specially designed to counter the full spectrum of modern threats, by providing signals of early warning and precise ground-to-air interception capabilities. .
A SkyKnight naval launcher design and prototype are on display at the Dubai Airshow 2021, showcasing the growing range of air defense missile system applications.
Development of the current SkyKnight system began in August 2020 with a full team. Key milestones achieved over the past 12 months extend to the first tests of missiles from a cartridge; comprehensive reviews of system requirements for user needs and system design; design of subsystems; and design and manufacture of wind tunnel test models.
Commenting on the progress to date, Saeed Al Mansoori, CEO of HALCON, said: “The development of SkyKnight in its own right and its inclusion in the Skynex air defense system of Rheinmetall AG are important developments for the defense industry. of the United Arab Emirates. Following the impressive progress we are making on the program is extremely rewarding and a testament to the talent of our team, EDGE’s ability to act with speed and agility, and the benefit of partnering with established global players. . ”
The first prototype parts for SkyKnight were manufactured by HALCON’s special manufacturing group earlier this year, with a second missile launch slated for before the end of the year. All subcontractors of the program are identified and registered, which allows the work of integrating the system to begin in earnest.
Dr Gerrit Viljoen, Chief Technology Officer of the Missiles and Weapons Cluster at EDGE, said: “SkyKnight is a large and complex undertaking, which requires all the skills, knowledge and expertise that we can apply to be successful. . We believe we have these elements and more, and will continue to work diligently to build a system that has international appeal and that will help build on EDGE’s export credentials and manufacturing prowess. and the United Arab Emirates. ”
As previously announced, EDGE, the parent company of HALCON, was developing a short-range air defense system, as was German company Rheinmetall AG, which was actively researching a missile system to be part of its Skynex air defense system. The companies decided to jointly offer a solution, with HALCON supplying SkyKnight, the missile system to the popular Oerlikon Skynex air defense system.
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