Israel urgently puts Spyder air defence system into service due to lack of other systems

The Israeli Defence Forces have urgently adopted the Spyder anti-aircraft missile system due to a shortage of anti-aircraft systems.

Here's What We Know

The system was adopted after the attacks by Hamas and the Lebanese group Hezbollah, which have been ongoing since October 2023. According to the Israeli Defence Forces, before the war began, air defence equipment was being acquired in accordance with operational needs, but the situation turned out to be more complicated than expected. The main problem was the lack of interceptors and anti-aircraft systems.

"It was decided to purchase the system in accordance with the urgent operational need after an operational and professional analysis. The integration process was carried out in an orderly manner and with the approval of all relevant authorities," IDF officials told Janes.

The Spyder is part of the Air Defence Wing of the Israeli Air Force. Unlike other air defence systems, this system is mobile and can use Python 5 infrared-guided and I-Derby radar-guided missiles. It was designed as a relatively low-cost system that can be mounted on a civilian truck and use modular launchers.

The Spyder air defence system is currently in service with the Czech Republic, Morocco, the Philippines, India, Azerbaijan, Peru, Singapore and other countries. India and Singapore have been using the system for over 10 years.

Earlier it was reported that the Israeli Ministry of Defence would increase the number of missiles ordered for the Arrow-3 air defence system. A contract worth billions of shekels was signed with the Israel Aerospace Company to expand the production of Arrow-3 interceptors.

The procurement comes amid constant shelling of Israel by Iranian-made ballistic missiles fired from territory controlled by Yemen's Houthis. The Arrow-3 system is the highest echelon of Israel's missile defence and can intercept ballistic missiles outside the exoatmosphere.

Source: Janes