SPYDER air defense battery (Rafael Advanced Systems)

“The decision to select SPYDER, developed and produced by Rafael, is a significant vote of confidence in our proven air defense capabilities,” said Rafael Executive VP Ariel Karo. 

The Czech Ministry of Defense has Informed its Israeli counterpart of its decision to equip its military with Israeli air defense “SPYDER” batteries, a system produced by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Israel’s Defense Ministry spokesman announced.

Following an international tender process, which lasted several years, Israel was selected as the sole supplier for the project, and the expected agreement between the countries’ defense ministries is estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars.

SPYDER (Surface-to-Air Python & Derby) is a quick reaction, low- to-high surface-to-air missile system designed to counter attacks by a variety of aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters and UAVs. The system provides effective protection of valuable assets, as well as first-class defense for maneuvering forces located in combat areas.

The SPYDER system includes a radar system produced by Elta, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries.

“We are very proud to have been selected to provide SPYDER systems to the Czech Republic,” said Brig. Gen. (ret.) Ariel Karo, Rafael executive vice-president, marketing and business development.

“The decision to select SPYDER, developed and produced by Rafael, is a significant vote of confidence in our proven air defense capabilities demonstrated over the years through a variety of solutions that span from Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and the SPYDER air defense system, in service and combat-proven in different countries around the world,” Karo said.

“We thank the Czech government for their partnership and for the decision to equip their military with Israeli air defense systems. This is another significant step in strengthening security relations between our two countries, and it is also great news for Israeli defense industries during such a complex period,” said Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz.