Czech Republic Seeks Four More Rafael SPYDER Air-Defense Systems

The Czech Defense Ministry is in advanced talks with Israel's Defense Ministry to buy four additional Rafael SPYDER air-defense systems and more interceptors, Walla reported, which would double the four-system fleet ordered in 2021. Each mobile battery combines an Israel Aerospace Industries radar with Rafael's Python 4/5 and Derby ER interceptors and command-and-control equipment. An Israeli Defense Ministry release valued the 2021 purchase at $620 million. The prospective agreement has not been signed, and neither Rafael nor Israel's Defense Ministry has publicly confirmed the new order.