Czech Republic Becomes First NATO Country to Operate the SPYDER Air Defense System

The Czech Republic has become the first NATO country to adopt the Israeli SPYDER air defense system.

This was announced by Yoav Turgeman, CEO of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.

“We are proud that the first system delivered to the Czech Republic is entering service. For Rafael, this is an important milestone in our cooperation with the Czech Republic,” Turgeman said.

Prague ordered four batteries from Rafael in 2021. All four systems have now been manufactured, and the first two have already been delivered to the Czech side.

The SPYDER systems will become part of the Czech Republic’s broader layered air defense network, which could eventually include missile defense systems, drone interceptors, command-and-control systems and laser weapons.

“The introduction of this system represents a significant technological and qualitative leap in the field of air defense and an important step toward building a modern, layered air defense system for our republic,” said Czech Defense Minister Jaromír Zuna.

SPYDER air defense system

The SPYDER system is based on PYTHON anti-aircraft missiles and DERBY air-to-air missiles.

This modular system is designed to intercept a wide range of short- and medium-range aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, and precision-guided munitions.

The system is mobile and capable of providing cover for maneuvering ground forces, but it can also be deployed in a fixed position.

The interception range depends on the type of missile: the PYTHON-5 uses a dual-band infrared seeker, while the DERBY is equipped with an active radar seeker. The warhead weight of the missiles is 11 and 23 kg, respectively.

• PYTHON-5 — up to 15 km;
• I-DERBY ER — up to 40 km;
• I-DERBY LR — up to 80 km;
• SPYDER MR/LR — up to 160 km.

Among European countries, Romania has also decided to purchase the SPYDER system. A contract worth over 2 billion euros (approximately 2.3 billion dollars) has been signed, covering the supply of launchers, interceptors, radar stations, training equipment, and logistical support.