The Czech Air Force has reached a new milestone in the procurement and deployment of Rafael’s SPYDER (Surface-to-air Python and Derby) Integrated Ground-Based Air Defense (GBAD) systems. Local defense contractor Retia has commenced trials of the first SPYDER GBAD battery, with the battery expected to be handed over to the Czech Air Force in the spring of 2026.
The Spyder GBAD system is a modular, multi-layered and battle proven system that has been used by the IDF against invading hostile drones. The system consists of both SRAD & MRAD systems and is capable of being used against aircraft, combat aircraft, two- and three-class unmanned aerial vehicles. Additionally various configurations of the system have been exported to Singapore, Philippines, India, Vietnam and Georgia.
This ambitious project is being carried out as a joint venture between Rafael and the Czech Ministry of Defence, with Retia serving as the primary system integrator. The total workshare of Czech companies in the project is presently at 30%. The final integration, assembly and fitting on Czech Tatra 815-7 trucks is being carried out by Retia while only the sub-components come from Rafael.
There remains some uncertainty around the final radar configuration for each battery. However, according to the Czech Ministry of Defence, the radars are expected to provide a detection range of up to 350 km, making it highly probable that the IAI ELTA ELM-2084 Multi-Function Radars (MFRs) will be used. These radars are the same as those previously ordered by the Czech Army. That earlier procurement, however, faced delays and later on upon delivery, the radars reportedly encountered integration issues, particularly in transmitting target data to Czech command and control systems. Lessons learned from those challenges are likely being addressed in the SPYDER integration process.
The SPYDER GBAD systems are set to replace the Soviet-era SA-6 “Kub” surface-to-air missile systems currently operated by the Czech military. This transition represents a major technological leap. While the older SA-6 systems could engage only a single target at a time with a maximum range of around 21 km, the new SPYDER batteries will be capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously at ranges of up to 60 km. This leap dramatically improves the Czech Republic’s defensive capabilities against modern aerial threats.
Each SPYDER battery for the Czech Air Force will feature a multi-layered structure, including:
- 3 x MRAD Mobile Firing Units (MFU-MR)
- 1 x SRAD Mobile Firing Unit (MFU-SR)
- 1 x Command and Control Unit (CCU)
- 1 x E/LM-2084 Radar Vehicle
- 1 x Communications Vehicle
- Multiple Re-supply and Maintenance Vehicles
The MFU-SR is expected to provide point-defense coverage for critical assets and the battery itself, while the MFU-MR components will extend the system’s protective envelope to a radius exceeding 60 kilometers.
While factory testing of the first battery continues at Retia’s facilities, production of the second battery’s components is already well underway. According to current plans, all four batteries are expected to be delivered to the Czech Air Force between 2026 and 2027, marking a complete overhaul of the country’s ground-based air defense infrastructure within a short time frame.
