Government Greenlights Procurement of Four Batteries
The Czech MoD selected Rafael’s SPYDER system on 25 September for its air defence requirements, after an international competition over several years, according to a company statement on 27 September.
“This is another significant step in strengthening security relations between our two countries, and it is also great news for Israeli defense industries during such a complex period,” commented Israeli Defence Minister, Benny Gantz. The Czech government has approved procurement of four SPYDER batteries in a government-to-government deal expecetd to be worth several hundred million dollars.
SPYDER (Surface-to-Air PYTHON & DERBY), is a quick-reaction, low- to-high surface-to-air missile system designed to counter attacks by a variety of aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters and UAS. It provides effective protection of valuable assets, as well as first-class defence for manoeuvre forces located in combat area and includes a radar system produced by Elta, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
“The decision to select SPYDER, developed and produced by Rafael, is a significant vote of confidence in our proven air defence capabilities demonstrated over the years through a variety of solutions that span from IRON DOME, DAVID’S SLING, and the SPYDER air defense system, in service and combat-proven in different countries around the world,” observed Ariel Karo, EVP Marketing and Business Development at Rafael.