$620 Million Deal: Israel Delivers SPYDER Air Defense System to Czech Republic

Israel's Ministry of Defense announced Sunday that, during NATO Days, one of Europe’s largest security events, Rafael’s SPYDER air defense system was delivered to the Czech Republic.

As previously reported, the Czechs signed the agreement to purchase the system in 2021, as part of a government-to-government (GTG) deal led by Israel’s Ministry of Defense. The Czech Republic is the first NATO member state to purchase a complete, end-to-end air defense system from Israel.

Two of the four batteries purchased are already in the Czech Republic, and production of all the batteries has been completed, with adaptations to meet the Czech military’s requirements and NATO standards.

The Ministry of Defense noted that “the program, which is developing into a comprehensive and integrated air defense capability for Czech skies, embodies the Ministry of Defense’s strategy, which views defense exports as a central component in strengthening the IDF’s force buildup, advancing foreign-policy goals, and driving growth in the defense industries and the Israeli economy.”

Under the agreement, led by SIBAT, the Defense Export Assistance Division, the Czech Republic will acquire four Rafael-made SPYDER batteries, including MMR radar systems manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries. The agreement is estimated at 2 billion shekels ($620 million) and also includes significant participation by Czech defense industries.

SPYDER is an air defense system based on Rafael-made Python and Derby air-to-air missiles. It is designed to intercept a range of aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, and drones. The SPYDER systems will be integrated into the NATO alliance and will protect Czech skies against a variety of threats.