The Czech government selected SPYDER in 2021 through an agreement with Israel led by the Israeli Ministry of Defence. Rafael has completed production of all four batteries ordered under the programme.
The Czech configuration has been modified to meet national military requirements and NATO standards. Rafael said some elements exceed alliance benchmarks, while testing continues across operational and interoperability scenarios.
The programme may expand beyond its initial four batteries into a wider national network spanning short- to long-range air defence. Options under consideration include national command and control, ballistic missile defence, counter-drone interceptors and laser-based capabilities.
“It was during that period that we signed the agreement for the Israeli-made SPYDER system,” Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said. “The security of our citizens comes first, and the Czech Republic, alongside all of Europe, requires anti-ballistic missile defense.”
“I am pleased to be able to present the complete SPYDER system battery to the general public on this occasion,” Czech Defence Minister Jaromír Zůna said. “The introduction of this system represents a significant technological and qualitative advancement in the field of air defense and an important step in building modern, layered protection of our Republic’s airspace.”
Czech industrial participation has formed part of the programme, supporting local economic activity and knowledge transfer. Rafael said advanced discussions were under way to expand cooperation with the country’s defence industry.
“The Czech Republic’s selection of SPYDER through a Government-to-Government agreement led by the Israel Ministry of Defense brought a system already in service across the world into the hands of a valued NATO ally,” said Brigadier General (Res.) Yair Kulas, head of SIBAT. “The GTG framework means the State of Israel stands behind this agreement, reflecting the strategic relationship between our two governments.”
“We are proud that the first system delivered to the Czech Republic is entering operational service,” said Rafael President and Chief Executive Yoav Tourgeman. “For Rafael, this marks an important milestone in our cooperation with the Czech Republic, a valued NATO member.”
SPYDER is a mobile, layered air defence system based on Rafael’s PYTHON and I-DERBY missiles. Its modular design is intended to protect strategic assets during fixed and mobile operations against a range of airborne threats.
The system is in operational service with a double-digit number of customers worldwide. Romania has selected SPYDER in what Rafael described as its largest contract, while Rafael supplies the core of Greece’s Achilles Shield air defence network.
