IDF confirms SPYDER air-defence system was rushed into service

The SPYDER AiO that was tested in January 2024. (Rafael Advanced Defense Systems)

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has confirmed that it has operationally deployed the Rafael SPYDER air-defence system during the war with Hamas and Lebanese group Hizbullah since October 2023.

“Prior to the war, the SPYDER system was not integrated due to the prioritisation of other interception means within the constraints of available resources,” the IDF Spokesperson's Unit told Janes. “It was decided [during the war] to acquire the system in accordance with the urgent operational need, after an operational and professional analysis. The process of its integration was carried out in an orderly manner and with the approval of all relevant authorities.

“The SPYDER system represents a new concept for the Air Defense Wing of the Israeli Air Force,” it added, referring to the IDF branch that operates all its air-defence systems.

Unlike Israel's existing air-defence systems, the SPYDER is mobile, rather than operated from fixed sites. It can use Python-5, I-Derby, and I-Derby ER missiles, with all three types available with additional boosters for the longer range versions of the system.

The IDF did not say which SPYDER version it has acquired or if a dedicated unit has been established to operate it.

An industry source told Janes that the SPYDER All-in-One (AiO) version is now in service and has carried out multiple successful interceptions against various classes of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).