The first parts of the "Spider" air defense system (PYthon and DERby surface-to-air) made in Israel arrived at the Military Technical Institute (VTÚ) in the Czech Republic.

This delivery is based on a contract between the Czech Republic and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems of Israel on September 27, 2021, worth approximately 627 million dollars.

This purchase is an effort by the Czech military to replace the aging Soviet-designed 2K12 (NATO code SA-6 Gainful) air defense system.

It is worth noting that the Czech Republic will receive four Spider batteries between 2024 and 2026, each consisting of 9-10 vehicles.

This battery will be used by the 251st air defense missile unit. Each battery will be equipped with a three-dimensional radar, a command and fire system, and four launchers.

The Spider air defense missile system is a versatile and advanced solution designed to provide effective protection against a wide range of aerial threats, including airplanes, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).