Tel Aviv: The Israeli developed Spyder air defence system recently scored a very successful interception. The Czech Republic and Morocco have selected the Rafael Spyder air defence system for its short range air defence needs.
Israeli company Rafael, in collaboration with the Israeli Ministry of Defence Directorate of Defence Research & Development (IMOD DDR&D) have successfully completed a test of the advanced Spyder air defence system in its latest, unique configuration – All In One. The test included the interception of a UAV in a challenging operational scenario, achieving a direct and effective hit.
The Spyder system, produced by Rafael, is operationally used by several military forces worldwide, providing air defence solutions against various airborne threats, including missiles, UAVs, aircraft, helicopters, and tactical ballistic missiles (TBMs). The system intercepts threats using two families of Rafael-manufactured interceptor missiles, Python and Derby. Recently, Rafael introduced a new configuration for the Spyder – the All in One, featuring an integrated radar, electro-optical launcher, advanced control and command system, and Python and Derby interceptors, all mounted on a single platform. This configuration serves as an optimal air defence solution for point defence or area defence, either as part of a Spyder battery or deployed independently with minimal operator involvement.
In the test conducted last week in Israel, the Spyder – All in One system successfully intercepted a UAV in a complex operational scenario, achieving a successful interception of the target.
Brigadier General (Res.) Pini Yungman, Executive Vice President and Head of the Air Defence Division at Rafael, stated, “Rafael is a global expert and a leading developer of air defence systems that have proven themselves in combat against a myriad of advanced threats and at various ranges. Among the leading systems currently in operational use in Israel and worldwide are Iron Dome, Spyder, and David’s Sling. The success of the current test with the Spyder- All in One system represents another technological breakthrough that Rafael pioneered, providing solutions tailored to different evolving threats in various arenas. The success of the test is a significant milestone in developing the system against different threats and demonstrates the system’s outstanding effectiveness in intercepting challenging ground-launched threats. As a significant contributor to national security, RAFAEL will continue to develop advanced air defence solutions that incorporate the latest technology for the IDF and its customers worldwide.”
Last year Rafael revealed that it upgraded the Spyder and it is now capable of intercepting tactical ballistic missiles (TBM). Israeli sources said that the war in Ukraine has dramatically increased the interest in the Spyder.
The introduction of this feature is the product of Rafael’s Counter-TBM Spyder program which involved researching and analysing the lessons learned from recent and ongoing armed conflicts involving extensive use of tactical ballistic missiles. The program has brought about a practical upgrade to the Spyder system which is equipped for implementation
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
