SPYDER

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title: "SPYDER" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["rafael-advanced-defense-systems", "elta-products", "surface-to-air-missiles-of-israel", "military-equipment-introduced-in-the-2000s"] topic_path: "geography/israel" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SPYDER" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

::data[format=table title="Infobox weapon"]

FieldValue
nameSPYDER
imageFile:SPYDER.jpg
captionA missile firing unit (MFU) of the SPYDER-SR system
originIsrael
typeShort and medium range air defence system
is_missileyes
is_vehicleyes
is_UKyes
used_by
wars
designer
manufacturerRafael Advanced Defense Systems
production_date2005–present
variantsSPYDER-SR
SPYDER-MR, SPYDER LR (counter TBM)
spec_label
weight105 kg (Python-5)
118 kg (Derby)
length3.1 m (Python-5)
3.62 m (Derby)
diameter160 mm (both)
filling
23 kg (Derby)
primary_armament
vehicle_rangePython-5: 40 km
Derby: 80 km
altitudePython-5: 9000 m
Derby: 16000 m
speedMach 4
guidanceInfrared homing and electro-optical imaging (Python-5)
Active radar homing (Derby)
detonationActive laser and electromagnetic proximity fuse with back-up impact fuse
wingspan
launch_platformTatra 817 truck
Mercedes-Benz Actros truck
RMMV HX truck
MAN TGS truck
Scania P-series truck
Dongfeng truck
TELAR
::

::callout[type=note] the Israeli air defense system ::

| name = SPYDER | image = File:SPYDER.jpg | caption = A missile firing unit (MFU) of the SPYDER-SR system | origin = Israel | type = Short and medium range air defence system | is_missile = yes | is_vehicle = yes | is_UK = yes | used_by = See Operators | wars =

The SPYDER ("Surface-to-air Python and Derby") is an Israeli short and medium range mobile air defence system developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems with assistance from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). Rafael is the prime contractor and IAI is the major subcontractor for the SPYDER program. This system achieved a notable milestone in 2005 when missiles were fired against test targets in Shdema, Israel and scored direct hits. Since then, it has been showcased in multiple military exhibitions throughout the world.

The SPYDER is a low-level, quick-reaction surface-to-air missile system capable of engaging aircraft, helicopters, unmanned air vehicles, drones, cruise missiles and precision-guided munitions. It provides air defence for fixed assets and for point and area defence for mobile forces in combat areas. The system is fitted atop a Tatra truck, a Mercedes-Benz Actros truck, a MAN TGS truck, Scania P-series truck, Dongfeng truck, or a TELAR. It implements the Python-5 and Derby missiles of the same company. The SPYDER launcher is designed to fire Python-5 and Derby surface-to-air missiles which share full commonality with the air-to-air missiles. There are two variants of the SPYDER: the SPYDER-SR (short range) and the SPYDER-MR (medium range). Both systems are quick reaction, all weather, network-centric, multi-launchers, and self-propelled. A typical battery consists one central command and control unit, six missile firing units, and a resupply vehicle. The SPYDER-SR uses the EL/M-2106 ATAR radar while the SPYDER-MR incorporates the EL/M-2084 MMR radar. The latter is the same radar used by the Iron Dome system currently in service with the Israel Defense Forces.

Current operators of the SPYDER missiles system include India and Singapore. Peru's order for the SPYDER was pending as of 2012. There are reports that claim that Georgia operated the SPYDER-SR during the 2008 Russo-Georgian War but these allegations and assumptions have never been verified.

Development

In 2005, the SPYDER successfully fired the Python 5 and Derby in a test range located in Shdema, Israel. The results were two direct kills against multiple targets. At the trial, the radar and command and control unit engaged the targets at both long and short ranges. The trial was part of a greater series of missile firings.

Description

Command and control

EL/M-2106 ATAR

Main article: EL/M-2106

The Elta EL/M-2106 Advanced Tactical Acquisition Radar (ATAR) 3D Active electronically scanned array (AESA) surveillance radar is the Command and Control Unit (CCU) for the SPYDER-SR. This radar can track and engage multiple targets simultaneously and can control the missile firing units at a distance of up to 10 km away from the CCU. The E/LM-2106 ATAR is a fourth generation defence radar designed by Elta and operates in the L-band wavelength. It is a field proven design that has operated in undesirable environments according to the designers and manufacturers. The range of detection for a fighter aircraft is 70–110 km. It can detect hovering helicopters at a range of 40 km and UAVs at 40–60 km.

EL/M-2084 MMR

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/94/SPYDER-MR_MFU_alongside_ELM-2084_of_Vietnam.png" caption="Vietnam]]."] ::

Main article: EL/M-2084

The radar sensor unit of the SPYDER-MR comprises the EL/M-2084 Multi Mission Radar (MMR) 3D AESA radar. The EL/M-2084 operates in the S-band. It can process up to 1200 targets when in air surveillance mode and also detects targets located 250 km away. When the radar is static, it covers 120° in the azimuth. ::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7c/Derby_and_Python_Aero_India_2015.JPG" caption="A pair of Python-5 and I-Derby missiles without boosters for SPYDER-SR."] ::

Surface-to-air missiles

Ranges of Interception

As a short range air defence system, the SPYDER-SR has a short range of interception. The maximum altitude of interception is 9 km and the maximum range of interception is 15 km.

Python-5

The Python-5 is currently the most capable air-to-air missile (AAM) in Israel's inventory and one of the most advanced AAMs in the world. It is capable of "lock-on after launch" (LOAL), and has all-aspect/all-direction (including rearward) attack ability. The missile features an advanced electro-optical infrared homing (with imaging infrared) seeker which scans the target area for hostile aircraft, then locks-on for terminal chase.

Derby

The Derby is an active radar homing AAM that provides the SPYDER missile system with a fire-and-forget option due to its active radar guidance.

  • Span: 64 cm
  • Diameter: 16 cm
  • Weight: 118 kg
  • Guidance: Active radar homing
  • Warhead: 23 kg
  • Speed: Mach 4

In January 2023, Rafael announced that they had upgraded the Spyder to be able to counter tactical ballistic missiles by performing hardware and software upgrades to the Derby LR missile interceptor.

Variants

| total_width = 320px | image1 = Spyder missile system.jpg | caption1 = The inclined, rotatable launcher used by the SPYDER-SR and SPYDER-ER variants. | image2 = SPYDER-MR MFU of Vietnam.png | caption2 = The vertical, non-rotatable launcher of the booster-featured SPYDER-MR and SPYDER-LR. An inclined SPYDER-SR launcher is also visible in the background. SPYDER-SR and SPYDER-ER 360° slant launching missile systems provide quick reaction, lock-on-before-launch (LOBL) and lock-on-after launch (LOAL) capabilities, while extending the range of defense to up to a 40 km radius.

SPYDER-MR and SPYDER-LR offer medium & long range target interception through vertical launch while pushing the defense envelope up to an 80 km radius.

Both systems enable a 360° launch within seconds of the target being declared hostile ‒ and provide all-weather, multi-launch, and net-centric capabilities.

The SPYDER systems have advanced ECCM capabilities and use electro-optical observation payloads as well as wireless data link communication.

The SPYDER All-in-One (AiO) configuration integrates the radar, command and control, and missile launchers onto a single 8x8 high-mobility vehicle chassis, rather than relying on a distributed battery structure. Designed for rapid deployment and independent operation against maneuvering forces or drone swarms, the AiO features "search-on-the-move" capabilities and carries up to eight canisterized Python-5 or I-Derby interceptors. In January 2024, the system successfully demonstrated a live-fire interception of a UAV during testing by the Israeli Ministry of Defense.

Operational use

  • During the Russo-Georgian War of 2008, it was believed that Georgia operated the SPYDER-SR. The Georgian air force could have operated up to four launchers of the SPYDER-SR.
  • On 26 February 2019, after the Balakot Airstrike, India used a SPYDER system to shoot down a surveillance drone of the Pakistan Armed Forces at the Indo-Pakistan Border at Gujarat.
  • On 27 February 2019, during the 2019 Jammu and Kashmir airstrikes, Indian SPYDER system shot down an Indian Air Force (IAF) Mil Mi-17 in Budgam, Kashmir. All six IAF personnel on board the helicopter and one civilian on the ground were killed. After 6 months of investigation, IAF confirmed that shooting down of Mi-17 was a friendly fire and 5 IAF personnel were held guilty.

Operators

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b8/SPYDER_operators.png" caption="Map with SPYDER operators in blue"] ::

Current operators

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6a/IAF_SPYDER.jpg" caption="SPYDER quick reaction air defence system of Indian Air Force firing a Derby missile"] ::

; : In 2012, Azerbaijan and Israel signed a $1.6 billion contract to supply an unknown quantity of Spyder and Barak-8 SAM to Azerbaijan.

; : Czech Armed Forces – On 27 September 2021, the Czech government announced that it had signed an agreement to purchase four SPYDER batteries. The Czech Ministry of Defense said that the value of the deal was $627 million, and that delivery of the systems was scheduled to be completed by 2026. Under the contract, the Czech defense industry would take part in the program, supplying products and services worth more than 30 percent of its value. In July 2024 the first battery arrived in the Czech Republic, with full operational capability expected by 2026.

; : Ethiopian Air Force bought the SPYDER-MR air defense system to protect the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam from possible air strikes. The amount is not exactly reported but sources have confirmed it is in Ethiopia. The Arab Weekly reported it in 2019. The African Intelligence also reported on the SAM systems arriving to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Debka also reported on the SPYDER-MR air defense systems arriving in Ethiopia.

; : Defense Forces of Georgia – There were reports that a battery of the SPYDER missile system was operated in 2008. No official confirmation exists and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) arms transfer database cannot confirm this. Jane's Missiles & Rockets magazine previously cited a Rafael representative claiming that one of the two export customers of the SPYDER missile system already has theirs deployed.georgia has this systems 3 of them were diliverd in 2025 https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1a9JW86W8k/

; : Indian Air Force – In 2006, India planned to acquire 18 SPYDER-MR systems at a cost of $395.2 million (₹1,800 crore) for its air force. The contract was reviewed by the Central Vigilance Commission, the Government’s anti-corruption agency, before the agreement was signed in September 2008. In August 2009, the multibillion-dollar contract for Israeli anti-aircraft missiles was cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council headed by defence minister AK Antony. Although previous estimates of the contract's value was ₹1,800 crore ($395.2 million), recent reports indicate a lower value of $260 million. The Jerusalem Post contradicted these figures and mentions a price of $1 billion for the purchase of the surface-to-air missiles. The SPYDER systems were delivered starting in 2012. 18 batteries of SPYDER-MRs along with 750 Python-5 surface to air missiles (SAMs) and 750 Derby SAMs have been delivered. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has, on 5 August 2025, cleared the project for upgradation of Saksham anti-air missile system, the local name of SPYDER system. Additionally, the system will also be integrated into the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS).

; : Royal Moroccan Army – Morocco signed a contract to buy SPYDER from Israel.

; : Peruvian Armed Forces – In March 2012, Peru chose the winners of a $140 million competition meant to upgrade its ageing air defence systems out of the group of 20 defence companies. Amidst the presence of Russia's Rosoboronexport and Chinese firms, the winners were Poland's Bumar Group, Israel's Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, and the USA's Northrop Grumman. Rafael industries is expected to supply six SPYDER-SR systems in this deal. Status of the deal in unclear.

; : Philippine Air Force – Three batteries of the SPYDER-MR air defense system were purchased in a deal said to be worth over $141 million (or around PHP 7,996,351,276). Two batteries called SPYDER Philippine Air Defense System (SPADS) were formally inducted into service in November 2022 and are assign and operated by the 960th Air and Missile Defense Group. The 3rd and last battery was delivered in November 2024. The systems are mounted onboard Czech Tatra T815-7 High Mobility Trucks.

; : Republic of Singapore Air Force – In 2008, the Ministry of Defence ordered two SPYDER-SR batteries along with 75 Python-5 SAMs and 75 Derby SAMs. They were all delivered during 2011 and 2012. Some SPYDER-SRs were operated by the 165 Squadron in 2011, it is also reported that more SPYDER-SRs are on order. The RSAF SPYDER is mounted on MAN RMMV TG-MIL trucks. The SPYDER system achieved full operational capacity on 4 July 2018.

; : VPA Air Defence – In 2015, Vietnam chose the SPYDER missile system as its new medium-range air defense missile system. First deliveries were highlighted in July 2016. Vietnamese systems are mounted on RMMV HX range trucks. Five systems including 375 Python missiles and 375 Derby missiles were reportedly acquired.

; : United Arab Emirates Army – In 2022, the United Arab Emirates bought an undisclosed number of SPYDER missile systems.

Future operators

; Kenya Defence Forces – In 2024, Kenya received a KSh1 billion loan from Israel to acquire the Spyder missile defence system. In 2025, Kenya received an additional KSh3.4 billion (approximately $26 million) loan from Israel. The funding will support the procurement of advanced military hardware, SPYDER, including repayment of part of a previous Sh1 billion loan used to acquire the air defense system. Disbursement to the Ministry of defense was expected in July 2025. The Sh3.4 billion loan from Israel will cover nearly 70% of the Defense Ministry’s development budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year. ; ; Romania Romanian Land Forces – €3.85 billion for 41 launchers, to be purchased in two phases. It was in competition against the NASAMS from Kongsberg, the VL Mica from MBDA France, the KM-SAM from Hanwha and the IRIS-T SLM. It is to replace the S-75M3 and the MIM-23 Hawk (Phase IIIR) air defence systems. For the SHORAD part, the Spyder was selected in July 2025. The offer will also include the Iron Dome system.

References

Notes

Citations

References

  1. "Archived copy".
  2. (6 February 2005). "RAFAEL'S SPYDER Catches Its Prey".
  3. "SPYDER-SR ADS".
  4. "Medium Range 3D Tactical Air Defense Radar EL/M-2106 ATAR".
  5. "Multi–Mission Radar (MMR) Family - EL/M-2084".
  6. "SPYDER-MR ADS".
  7. "Spyder-SR / MR – Short and Medium Range Mobile Air Defense Systems".
  8. "Python-5 – Full Sphere IR Air-to-Air or Surface-to-Air Missile".
  9. "Derby – Active Radar BVR Air-to-Air or Surface-to-Air Missile".
  10. Frantzman, Seth. (2023-01-06). "Rafael upgrades Spyder system to counter tactical ballistic missiles".
  11. "SPYDER™ FAMILY".
  12. (10 January 2024). "Rafael & Israeli MoD DDR&D Complete Successful Test of Advanced Spyder Air Defense System in its Latest All-In-One Configuration". EDR Magazine.
  13. (June 2011). "The Russian Military and the Georgia War: Lessons and Implications". Stractegic Studies Institute.
  14. (2010). "The Tanks of August". Centre of Analysis of Strategies and Technologies.
  15. Axe, David. (26 February 2019). "Nuclear Nightmare: Are India and Pakistan on the Brink of War?".
  16. ANI. (26 February 2019). "Israeli Spyder used to shoot down Pakistani drone in Gujarat". Business Standard India.
  17. Snehesh, Alex Philip. (23 August 2019). "IAF probe confirms 27 February Budgam chopper crash was caused by friendly fire". The Print (India).
  18. (23 August 2019). "Five IAF officers found guilty in Mi-17 V5 chopper crash in Srinagar on February 27". Times Now News.
  19. (23 August 2019). "IAF chopper in Budgam crashed on Feb 27 after hit by Indian missile: Probe report". Indian Express.
  20. (27 February 2020). "Azerbaijan Buys the M-346 as Caucasus Stand-off Continues".
  21. Eyal Boguslavsky. (2021-09-30). "Czech Republic to purchase four Rafael 'Spyder' air defense batteries".
  22. Administrator. "First Shipment of Israeli Spyder Air Defense Missile Systems Arrives in Czech Republic".
  23. (20 July 2019). "Concerns mount in Egypt as Israel boosts ties with Ethiopia". Aw.
  24. (5 July 2019). "Which Israeli firms are arming the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam?".
  25. (8 July 2019). "Friction with Cairo over the Israel air defense system for Ethiopia's Great Nile dam". Debkafile.
  26. "SIPRI arms transfer database".
  27. (21 August 2008). "Analysis: Georgia's Air Defence in the August War". Defence Web.
  28. (19 August 2009). "India Buys Israeli "SPYDER" Mobile Air Defense System". Defense Industry Daily.
  29. (18 August 2008). "IAF to add teeth with Israeli missile system". The Times Of India.
  30. (September 2008). "IAF orders Israeli Spyder Missile". India Strategic.
  31. (18 August 2009). "Army acquires anti-aircraft missiles". The Times of India.
  32. (23 August 2009). "India to buy Rafael's Spyder missile systems in $1 billion deal". The Jerusalem Post.
  33. (2025-08-06). "MoD clears big arms deals, including BrahMos, armed drones, worth Rs 67,000cr". The Times of India.
  34. (2025-08-05). "DAC clears proposals worth Rs 67,000 crore to enhance operational capability of the Armed Forces". [[Press Information Bureau]].
  35. Egozi, Arie. (20 March 2023). "Morocco to buy Spyder air defence system from Rafael".
  36. (19 March 2012). "Rafael, Bumar, Northrop Win $140M Peru Contract". Defense News.
  37. (20 March 2012). "Peru upgrades air defense with $140M plan".
  38. (21 March 2012). "Peru's Next-Generation Air Defenses". Defense Industry Daily.
  39. Ardiansyah. (2022-09-27). "PAF's SPYDER-MR ADS Arrives In the Philippines". Global Business Press.
  40. (30 December 2022). "Yearender: AFP ends 2022 with anti-air missile capability". Philippine News Agency.
  41. "Philippines receives first 2 batteries of SPYDER-MR air defense missile system, 2nd C-295W aircraft".
  42. (1 March 2020). "Ground Based Air Defense System (GBADS) Acquisition Project of the Philippine Air Force".
  43. (January 29, 2023). "Detailing the SPYDER Air Defense System of the Philippine Air Force".
  44. (September 27, 2022). "Philippine Air Force receives first Spyder air defense systems".
  45. (17 June 2011). "No escape from the SPYDER".
  46. Dominguez, Gabriel. (9 July 2018). "RSAF's SPYDER air defence system attains full operational capability". [[Jane's Information Group]].
  47. "Vietnam has selected Israeli Rafael Spyder as new short-range air defense missile system".
  48. "Trade Registers".
  49. (23 September 2022). "Exclusive: Israel to sell air defence system to United Arab Emirates".
  50. Kenyette, Patrick. (2024-05-09). "Kenya acquiring Spyder air defence system from Rafael". Military Africa.
  51. Ekanem, Solomon. (2025-07-03). "Kenya turns to Israel for Sh3.4 billion missile defense deal".
  52. (2025-07-03). "Kenya turns to Israel for Sh3.4 billion missile defense deal". Business Insider Africa.
  53. (2025-06-01). "Israel needs to look to Africa for innovation investment opportunities {{!}} The Jerusalem Post".
  54. Kinyanjui, Maureen. (2025-07-02). "Israel to fund part of Kenya's military modernisation with Sh3.4 billion loan".
  55. (2025-07-01). "Israeli loan to fund 69pc of Defence development budget". Business Daily Africa.
  56. Mutugi, Edwin Edgar. (2025-07-02). "Israel grants Kenya Sh3.4 billion loan for air defence upgrade".
  57. Defensa.com. (2023-11-24). "Rumania se dotará de un sistema de defensa aérea por 3.850 millones - Noticias Defensa defensa.com OTAN y Europa".
  58. "Romania Launches $4.2 Billion Tender for Short- and Medium-range Air Defense Systems".
  59. (2025-07-01). "Romania selects Israel's Rafael to supply air defence system in €1.9 billion project".
  60. Radu Dumitrescu. (10 July 2025). "Romania to implement Iron Dome air defense system, minister says".

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