The Czech Republic’s air defense capabilities are set to receive a significant boost following the successful testing of the I-DERBY ER missiles, integrated with the SPYDER launcher system on a TATRA 8×8 truck chassis. The trials, conducted against unmanned aerial targets, confirmed the system’s effectiveness in countering modern aerial threats. The I-DERBY ER, produced by RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems, features advanced capabilities designed to neutralize current and emerging threats in both air-to-air and surface-to-air roles. This system will soon be a critical component of the Czech Republic’s national defense. The I-DERBY ER represents the latest evolution in the highly regarded I-Derby family of active RF missiles. It boasts several technological advancements, including a more powerful dual-pulse rocket motor, a sophisticated software-defined seeker, a bi-directional data link, and enhanced avionics, electronics, and algorithms.
During the July tests, the I-DERBY ER was launched against high-performance aerial targets simulating contemporary threats seen in modern conflicts. The scenarios were designed to stretch the missile’s capabilities to their limits, mirroring the complexities and unpredictability of today’s battlefields. Each launch resulted in successful interceptions, with targets completely neutralized upon impact, demonstrating the missile’s hit-to-kill capability. The success of these trials underscores the I-DERBY ER’s ability to counter evolving threats, validates RAFAEL’s design choices aimed at mitigating risk, and reaffirms the company’s dedication to delivering state-of-the-art defense solutions on time. When integrated within the SPYDER family of ground-based air defense systems, the canisterized I-DERBY ER serves as an effective interceptor, providing comprehensive protection against a wide range of threats.
On September 25, 2020, the Czech Ministry of Defense announced its intention to negotiate with the Israeli government for the acquisition of the SPYDER air defense system, specifically designed to secure Czech airspace. The SPYDER-MR deal was initially valued at approximately $430 million, with deliveries expected to commence in 2023, replacing the aging Soviet-era 2K12 Kub systems that have been in service with the Czech Army since the 1970s. On September 27, 2021, the Czech government signed an agreement to purchase four SPYDER batteries, with a total deal value of $627 million. Delivery of the systems is scheduled for completion by 2026. Under the terms of the contract, the Czech defense industry will contribute to the program by providing products and services valued at over 30% of the total deal. The systems are expected to be operational for at least 20 years, and the overall cost, including maintenance and repairs, is estimated to reach approximately $1 billion. The deal, valued at about $520 million (ILS 2 billion), solidifies the collaboration between the two nations in bolstering the Czech Republic’s air defense capabilities.
The SPYDER (“Surface-to-air Python and Derby”) is an Israeli-developed short- and medium-range mobile air defense system, created by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems with assistance from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). Rafael serves as the prime contractor, while IAI is a major subcontractor for the SPYDER program. The SPYDER system is designed for quick-reaction, low-level air defense and can engage a variety of aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions. The SPYDER system comes in two variants: SPYDER-SR (short-range) and SPYDER-MR (medium-range). Both versions are network-centric, all-weather, quick-reaction systems with multiple launchers and are self-propelled. A typical SPYDER battery includes one central command and control unit, six missile firing units, and a resupply vehicle. The SPYDER-SR employs the EL/M-2106 ATAR radar, while the SPYDER-MR uses the EL/M-2084 MMR radar, the same radar utilized by the Iron Dome system of the Israel Defense Forces.
