• The trial involved intercepting multiple threats in challenging operational scenarios, achieving direct and precise Hit-to-Kill engagements.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. has successfully completed a trial of the advanced SPYDER air defense system, equipped with I-DERBY ER and I-DERBY LR missiles.

The trial, conducted in Israel, involved several scenarios simulating current and future threats. During the trial, the system successfully intercepted multiple threats, including low-radar-signature unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), in a challenging operational scenario, achieving direct and precise Hit-to-Kill engagements.

Rafael continues to develop the SPYDER system, upgrading its capabilities and adapting it to the evolving threats of the future battlefield. The trial included the integration of updates based on lessons learned from the war in Israel and operational experience accumulated in additional theaters worldwide, as part of the ongoing development of the system’s capabilities and its adaptation to a changing operational reality.

The SPYDER System

SPYDER is a mobile air defense system based on Rafael’s PYTHON and I-DERBY air-to-air missiles, operating as part of a multi-layered defense concept.

The system is designed to intercept a wide range of aerial threats. Owing to its modular architecture, rapid response time, and combat-proven capabilities, SPYDER provides effective protection of strategic assets in both stationary and mobile missions, even in complex aerial environments and a changing operational reality.

Its combat-proven capabilities, operational flexibility, and continuous development have made SPYDER one of the world’s leading air defense systems. The system is in service with leading customers around the world, including NATO and European Union member states that have selected it to protect strategic assets and strengthen their air defense arrays.

SPYDER was recently selected by Romania as part of a large-scale deal to defend its airspace. This followed the earlier selection by the Czech Republic, with which the Ministry of Defense and Rafael signed a supply agreement in 2020. These selections reflect the growing confidence European nations place in the system’s operational capabilities and its ability to address evolving aerial threats.

Yoav Tourgeman, CEO and President of Rafael: “Rafael is a global leader and a center of excellence for combat-proven air defense systems that address complex threats across a range of distances. Among our leading systems currently in operational use in Israel and worldwide are Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and SPYDER. The successful SPYDER trial reflects our commitment to continue developing advanced capabilities based on operational experience, technological innovation, and the integration of operational lessons, to ensure the system provides an optimal response to evolving threats across the various theaters. The repeated selection of SPYDER by many nations worldwide, most recently Romania, reflects the growing confidence in its operational capabilities and its suitability for the air defense needs of nations seeking to contend with a complex and changing threat environment.”