IDET 2025: Czech Army Showcases Rafael SPYDER SR and Elta ELM-2084 MMR as Cornerstone of New Air Defense.

On May 28, 2025, the Czech Army unveiled for the first time its Rafael SPYDER SR air defense system and IAI Elta ELM-2084 MMR radar at IDET 2025 in Brno. This marks a key step in Czechia’s air defense modernization, integrating Israeli-made technologies into a mobile, multi-layered shield. Their debut highlights the nation's focus on rapid response to aerial threats. The systems drew strong attention for their strategic value within NATO.
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With its first-time presentation at IDET 2025, the Czech Army’s deployment of the SPYDER SR missile system and the ELM-2084 radar marks a milestone in national defense modernization (Picture Source: Army Recognition Group)

The SPYDER SR system, developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, belongs to the category of mobile short-range surface-to-air missile systems (SHORAD) and is designed for quick response against modern aerial threats including fighter jets, helicopters, UAVs, and precision-guided munitions. Mounted on a Czech-made Tatra 8x8 chassis, the launcher vehicle hosts four ready-to-fire Python-5 or Derby missiles, which use dual-mode electro-optical and active radar guidance respectively. The system operates with a reaction time of under five seconds and is fully networked through a command and control unit linked to sensors such as the ELM-2084 radar, enabling real-time threat acquisition and engagement.

The ELM-2084 MMR, produced by Israel Aerospace Industries’ Elta Systems division, is a combat-proven, multi-role radar that has already gained an established reputation through its use in the Iron Dome and David’s Sling air defense systems. For Czech forces, this radar provides the core of situational awareness and threat detection, with the ability to simultaneously track hundreds of airborne targets, calculate impact points, and direct intercepts. It operates in the S-band and is capable of engaging threats up to 100 kilometers away. The radar’s modular design and ability to operate in diverse combat environments offer an ideal match for Czechia’s need for flexible and responsive defense solutions.

Both systems were procured under a government-to-government deal between the Czech Republic and Israel, signed in 2021, with deliveries and integration completed in early 2025. The procurement followed extensive evaluation by the Czech Ministry of Defence and the selection was driven by the operational maturity and combat experience of both SPYDER SR and ELM-2084 MMR. The SPYDER family had already been fielded by several nations, including India and Singapore, while the ELM-2084 radar has been continuously refined through operational use by the Israel Defense Forces.

When compared to other Western short-range air defense systems such as Germany’s Ozelot or the Norwegian NASAMS, the SPYDER SR stands out for its dual-missile configuration and rapid autonomous engagement capability. This makes it particularly well-suited for defending mobile units and key infrastructure against saturation attacks and low-RCS threats. The ELM-2084 further strengthens this edge by offering integrated fire-control functionality and comprehensive 360-degree coverage, thereby significantly reducing the sensor-to-shooter gap.

From a strategic standpoint, the Czech Army’s adoption of these Israeli systems reflects broader geostrategic alignment with NATO and a decisive shift toward modern, mobile, and interoperable defense postures. As tensions rise across Europe’s eastern frontier and air threats become more complex and asymmetrical, systems like SPYDER SR provide a credible deterrent against intrusions and a force multiplier for collective defense initiatives. This also places Czechia among a growing group of NATO states that prioritize resilient, technology-driven air defense architectures.

With its first-time presentation at IDET 2025, the Czech Army’s deployment of the SPYDER SR missile system and the ELM-2084 radar marks a milestone in national defense modernization. These advanced Israeli technologies deliver a powerful combination of mobility, rapid reaction, and all-weather target engagement, offering Czechia a robust shield against contemporary aerial threats. This move not only reinforces national defense but also enhances NATO's collective security posture in Central Europe, sending a clear message of preparedness and technological strength.