The First Components of the SPYDER System Arrive in the Czech Republic, Marking a New Era in Air Defense
The system will provide advanced protection against aircraft, helicopters, and drones, and will offer Czechia modern air defense capabilities
The SPYDER system. Photo: Rafael
The first components of the SPYDER missile defense system, produced by Rafael, have arrived at the Military Technical Institute in the Czech Republic. This marks the beginning of the execution of a contract that the Czech Republic signed with Rafael on September 27, 2021, valued at $627 million.
Equipping with the Israeli system provides advanced protection against aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs. The system uses Python-5 and DERBY ER missiles for short and medium-range defense.
The Czech Republic is now working to replace old Russian air defense systems with modern systems. It will receive the complete SPYDER batteries in 2025 and 2026, with each battery consisting of nine to ten vehicles, a 3D radar, fire control, a control system, and four launchers.
The Czech industry is involved in the SPYDER project, with local industries such as RETIA and the Military Technical Institute producing about 30 percent of the project's scope.
The SPYDER system is supposed to be the upper layer of the Czech air defense. Army Recognition reports that the deployment of the system in the Czech Republic will constitute a significant modernization of the Czech army and end the dependence on old Soviet-made systems.
