First Shipment of Israeli Spyder Air Defense Missile Systems Arrives in Czech Republic.

Citing information published on the X account of "Daniel of Bohemia", the first parts of the Israeli-made Spyder ground-based air defense missile system have arrived in the Czech Republic at the Military Technical Institute (VTÚ). This marks the beginning of the implementation of the Czech Republic's contract with Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, signed on September 27, 2021, valued at approximately $627 million. The contract is part of the Czech military's efforts to replace the outdated Soviet-designed 2K12 Kub (NATO Code Named SA-6 Gainful) air defense systems with modern technology.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

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. (Picture 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 ground-to-air missions. Its open architecture allows for the integration of external components like radars.

The Czech Republic will receive four Spyder batteries between 2025 and 2026, each comprising 9-10 vehicles. 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 defense industry will play a significant role in this project, contributing over 30% of the program’s value through local suppliers such as RETIA and the Military Technical Institute.

The Spyder system will serve as the highest layer of the Czech Air Defence. The 25th Air Defence Missile Regiment will work closely with the 26th Air Command Control and Surveillance Regiment, which has been equipped with new 8 EL/M-2084S 3D radiolocators and other radiolocators like 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 a variety of aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It is available in several versions, each tailored for 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 utilizes Python-5 and Derby missiles, offering rapid reaction and quick deployment capabilities to counter short-range threats effectively.

The Spyder-MR (Medium Range) version extends the defense envelope with a range of up to 35 kilometers and an altitude reach 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, enhancing their flexibility and effectiveness in various operational scenarios. The advanced missiles used in the Spyder systems are designed to provide precise targeting and high kill probability against a wide array of airborne threats, making the Spyder a critical 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 enhancing their airspace protection capabilities. However, there is no information about the specific version of the Spyder system selected by the Czech Armed Forces.