Czech Republic decides to purchase Rafael's SPYDER air defense system

The European country will enter negotiations to procure the mobile system designed to counter attacks by a variety of aerial threats including planes, helicopters and UAVs

By Israel Defense, 09/27/2020

https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/45503

SPYDER test firing, photo by Rafael

Following an international tender process which lasted several years, the Czech Republic has decided to acquire Rafael's SPYDER air defense system, the Israeli defense contractor announced Sunday.

SPYDER test firing, photo by Rafael

The Czech Defense Ministry informed the Israeli Defense Ministry's Directorate of International Defense Cooperation of its decision to equip the Czech military with the system, Rafael said.

On Friday, the Czech government approved the launch of negotiations to procure four SPYDER batteries within the framework of a government-to-government (GTG) agreement between the two countries. Israel was selected as the sole supplier for the project, and the expected deal between the countries' defense ministries is estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars, according to the company.

photo by Rafael

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 planes, helicopters and UAVs.

The system is said to provide 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.

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz 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."

SPYDER Family - Air Defense Against all Threats, Rafael video, May 10, 2018

Ariel Karo, EVP marketing and business development at Rafael, commented "We are very proud to have been selected to provide SPYDER systems to the Czech Republic through a GTG process.

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."