Czech SPYDER delivery announced

The SPYDER air defence system components displayed at Leoš Janáček Airport. (Israeli Ministry of Defense)

The delivery of the Czech Air Force's Israeli-made SPYDER air-defence system was announced on 19 September, when components were displayed at Leoš Janáček Airport in Ostrava for the NATO Days event.

“I am pleased to be able to present the complete SPYDER system batteries to the general public on this occasion,” said Minister of Defense Jaromír Zůna. “The introduction of this system represents a significant technological and qualitative shift in the field of air defence and an important step in building modern, layered airspace protection for our republic.”

A radar and two launchers – one for short-range Python 5 missiles, the other for longer-range I-Derby and I-Derby ER missiles – were displayed during the event, all mounted on 8×8 Tatra Force trucks.

In its statement announcing the delivery, the Israeli Ministry of Defense said production of all four batteries that were ordered in 2021 has been completed and two were already in Czechia. It added that the programme is “evolving into a comprehensive and integrated air-defence capability for the Czech skies”.

The Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is the prime contractor for the programme, with the air force and air defence branch of the Czech Military Technical Institute helping with the battle-management system and Retia, part of the Czechoslovak Group (CSG), assembling the systems at its Pardubice facility.

The Armed Forces of the Czech Republic announced in September 2025 that the first SPYDER system was tested by Rafael personnel at a Retia facility the previous month.

The SPYDER systems are replacing the Soviet-era 2K12 Kub systems used by the Strakonice-based 25th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment.