Czech Republic to buy Israeli air defence system SPYDER

The Czech Republic is set to acquire a new air defence system from Israel in a bid to enhance its defences against aerial threats.

The country has selected the SPYDER system after assessing nine air defence systems from seven producers.

Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, SPYDER is a low to high-altitude surface-to-air missile system designed to protect against fighter aircraft, helicopter, other missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.

According to the company website, the missile system incorporates advanced air-to-air-missiles called PYTHON-5 dual waveband IIR missile, the I-DERBY active radar BVR and the I-DERBY ER long-range missile. These missiles can also be used for ground-to-air operations.

Additionally, the SPYDER family exhibits an open architecture to enable the addition of external components.

According to The Times of Israel report, the Czech Republic intends to procure four SPYDER batteries.

Currently, negotiations of the purchase terms and price are underway.

Valued at around $430m, the deal is slated to be finalised early next year with deliveries expected two years later.

Once delivered, the SPYDER system will replace the ageing Soviet-era 2K12 KUB system and will be used to protect industrial hubs, nuclear plants and airports.

Israel Defense Minister Benny Gantz was quoted by the publication as saying: “We thank the Czech Government for their partnership and for the decision to equip their military with Israeli air defence systems.

“This is another significant step in strengthening security relations between our two countries, and it is also great news for Israeli defence industries during such a complex period.”