Czech Republic receives all four Israeli Rafael SPYDER air defense systems

The Czech Defense Ministry unveiled all four Rafael SPYDER air defense systems after completing a deal with Israel to modernize the country’s air defenses.

The Czech Republic has received all four SPYDER air defense systems it purchased from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the country’s Defense Minister Jaromír Zuna announced.

"I am pleased to be able to present the complete SPYDER system batteries to the general public on this occasion,” Zuna said during NATO Days, one of Europe’s largest defense and security events, held in the Czech city of Ostrava.

“The introduction of this system represents a significant technological and qualitative shift in the field of air defense and an important step in building modern, layered airspace protection for our republic," Zuna continued.

The delivery of the system is part of a 2021 government-to-government (G2G) agreement by Israel’s Defense Ministry and the Czech Republic. Production of all batteries has been completed with adaptations to the country’s military requirements and NATO standards.

The Czech Defense Ministry said the system is fully integrated into the NATO air defense alliance system and that all maintenance and service are provided entirely in the Czech Republic.

“The program, which is evolving into a comprehensive and integrated air defense capability for Czech skies, reflects the ministry’s strategy, which views defense exports as a central pillar in strengthening the IDF's force build-up, advancing foreign policy objectives, and driving growth in the defense industries and the Israeli economy,” Israel’s Defense Ministry said in a statement.

The SPYDER system is a mobile, quick‑reaction air‑defense solution designed to protect against a wide spectrum of aerial threats.

SPYDER will project stationary, maneuvering ground forces on battlefield, Czech Def. Min. says

According to the Czech Defense Ministry, the SPYDER will protect stationary objects as well as maneuvering ground forces on the battlefield.

Rafael’s SPYDER family of short- to long-range mobile, quick-reaction, combat-proven Air Defense Systems includes the SPYDER SR, SPYDER MR, SPYDER LR, SPYDER ER, and the SPYDER All-in-One.

It is built around the Python‑5 and Derby missiles, adapted from air‑to‑air use for ground launch and designed to counter aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and precision‑guided munitions. The system uses an electro-optical observation payload and wireless data-link communication and can engage multiple threats simultaneously up to 160 kilometers away in all weather conditions.

The EL/M 2106 radar, manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) subsidiary, Elta, can track up to 500 targets simultaneously in all weather conditions while on the move.

Its modular architecture allows for both stationary and mobile deployment, and its rapid response time is intended to provide effective protection of strategic assets in complex air environments.

SPYDER has been operational for more than 15 years. Several militaries worldwide use it, including Romania, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, India, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Singapore.