According to information published by the “Armadni Noviny” website on August 3, 2021, the Czech Ministry of Defense negotiates the acquisition of Israeli Rafael Spyder mobile air defense missile systems to replace Soviet-made2K12 Kub, NATO reporting name SA-6 Gainful currently in service with the Czech army.
According to the military balance 2020, air defense systems of Czech armed forces consist of 9K35 Strela-10 NATO code name SA-13 Gopher, 9K32 Strela-2 NATO code name SA-7 Grail, RBS-70 MANPADS, and 2K12 Kub NATO code name SA-6 Gainful.
The Spyder is a family of short/extended/medium/long-range air defense missile systems fully designed and manufactured by the Israeli company Rafael. It can be used to destroy aerial targets as fighter aircraft, helicopters, bombers, cruise missiles, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs), and stand-off weapons.
The Spyder systems incorporate the most advanced, proven performance air-to-air missiles including the Python-5 dual waveband imaging infrared missile, , the I-Derby active radar beyond visual range missile, and I-Derby ER long-range missile, based on two pulses advanced rocket motors.