Referring to information published on the X account of “Daniel of Bohemia“, the first components of the Israeli Spyder ground-based air defense system have arrived in the Czech Republic at the Military Technical Institute (VTÚ). This marks the start of the implementation of the Czech Republic’s contract with Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, signed on September 27, 2021, worth approximately $627 million. The contract is part of the Czech military’s efforts to replace the outdated Soviet-designed 2K12 Cube (NATO Code Named SA-6 Gainful) air defense systems with modern technology.
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The Spyder air defense missile system, developed by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, provides advanced protection against aircraft, helicopters and UAVs, using Python-5 and Derby missiles for short- to medium-range defense. (Image source: X Account Daniel Of Bohemia)

The Spyder system includes advanced air-to-air missiles such as the Python-5 and the I-Derby ER, which can also be used for surface-to-air missions. The open architecture allows the integration of external components such as radars.

The Czech Republic will receive four Spyder batteries, each consisting of 9-10 vehicles, between 2025 and 2026. These batteries will be used by the 251st Air Defence Missile Battalion. Each battery will be equipped with 3D radar, a fire command and control system and four launchers. The Czech defence industry will play a significant role in this project, contributing more than 30% of the programme value through local suppliers such as RETIA and the Military Technical Institute.

The Spyder system will serve as the highest layer of Czech air defense. The 25th Air Defense Missile Regiment will work closely with the 26th Air Command Control and Surveillance Regiment, which is equipped with new 8 EL/M-2084S 3D radiolocators and other radiolocators such as the RAT-31DL FADR.

The Spyder (Surface-to-air PYthon and DERby) air defense missile system, developed by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, is a versatile and advanced solution designed to provide effective defense against various air threats, including aircraft, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It is available in several versions, each tailored to different operational needs and threat environments.

The Spyder-SR (Short Range) version has a range of up to 15 kilometers and can engage targets at altitudes of up to 9 kilometers. It uses Python-5 and Derby missiles, which provide rapid response and rapid deployment capabilities to effectively counter short-range threats.

The Spyder-MR (Medium Range) version extends the defense envelope with a range of up to 35 kilometers and an altitude range of up to 16 kilometers. It also uses Python-5 and Derby missiles, but it is equipped with an advanced radar system and offers higher mobility compared to the SR version, making it suitable for broader defense requirements.

These systems are modular and can be integrated with various external components, such as different types of radars, improving their flexibility and effectiveness in different operational scenarios. The advanced missiles used in the Spyder systems are designed to provide precise targeting and high kill probability against a wide range of air threats, making the Spyder a crucial asset in modern air defense strategies.

Overall, this acquisition marks a significant modernization step for the Czech Armed Forces, moving them away from reliance on outdated Soviet-era technology and increasing their airspace protection capabilities. However, there is no information on the specific version of the Spyder system selected by the Czech Armed Forces.