Quick Facts
| Variants |
SPYDER-SR SPYDER-MR |
| Role and Mobility | Short/Medium Range Surface to Air Missile System; Road-Mobile |
| Interceptors and Range | Python 5 Missiles and Derby Missiles; 15+ km |
| Sensors |
SPYDER-SR: -Elta EL/M 2106 ATAR 3D Surveillance Radar SPYDER-MR: -IAI/Elta MF_STAR Surveillance Radar Upper Tier CCUs up to 100 km away |
| Targets | Aircraft, Helicopters, UAVs, Drones, and Precision-Guided Munitions |
| Status/Exports | Operational; India, Vietnam, and Singapore |
| Designer/Producer | Rafael Advanced Defense Systems |
Overview
The Surface to Air Python and Derby, also known as SPYDER, is an Israeli indigenous short-range air defense system. It is capable of multi-target simultaneous engagement and single, multiple, and ripple firing. It is also capable of operating in both day and night and has all-weather capability.[i]
The standard SPYDER unit consists of a mobile command and control unit (CCU), and four mobile firing units. The launchers and CCU are connected by a datalink, which combines information from the surveillance radar with upper tier CCUs within a 100 km range. The interceptors are launched from a slant, which allows the interceptors to lock on to targets both before launch and after launch.[ii]
The SPYDER systems can fire two types of missiles as interceptors, the Python 5 missile and the Derby missile, both of which were originally air-to-air missiles repurposed for the SPYDER.
There are two variants of the system, the SPYDER-SR and the SPYDER-MR:
SPYDER-SR: The original short-range system, and has a range of 15+ km. The system is capable of holding four interceptors.[iii]
SPYDER-MR: A medium-range variant with a range of 35+ km. Other changes from the SPYDER-SR are an increased magazine size to hold eight interceptors, and a new surveillance radar, the IAI/Elta MF-STAR.[iv]
Strategic Implications
The SPYDER air defense system is valuable for its quick reaction speed and its many capabilities. In full-readiness state, the system can launch its missiles in less than five seconds from target confirmation.[v]It can launch both of its interceptors, the short-range Python 5 and the medium range Derby, in fire-and-forget or fire-and-update modes. These make the SPYDER a valuable asset for short range air defense.
Timeline
July 4, 2018:Singapore announced its SPYDER systems had achieved full operational capability.[vi]
May 11, 2017:India conducted three rounds of test firing of its SPYDER systems.[vii]
2015:Vietnam purchased SPYDER systems from Israel.[viii]
2012:Peru purchased the SPYDER as part of a new air defense plan.[ix]
2008:India awarded Rafael a contract for 18 SPYDER systems.[x]
2005:Three SPYDER-SR systems were displayed at the Paris Air Show 2005.[xi]
Recent News
References
[i]https://www.army-technology.com/projects/spyder/
[ii]Ibid.
[iii]Ibid.
[iv]Ibid.
[v]Ibid.
[vi]https://thediplomat.com/2018/07/whats-in-singapores-new-air-defense-system/
[vii]https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/india-to-buy-israeli-spyder-mobile-air-defense-system-02702/
[viii]Ibid.
[ix]https://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htproc/articles/20120405.aspx
[x]https://www.army-technology.com/projects/spyder/
[xi]Ibid.
