Israeli air defense system scores a direct hit in latest test, further securing its global standing

The tests were held during the first week of January in Israel, practicing several scenarios that simulate current and future threats. Owing to security reasons, the locations of the tests were not revealed; it was merely stated that they were conducted in desert areas in southern Israel.

Neither Rafael Industries nor the Israeli Ministry of Defense has indicated when the military will introduce this Spyder configuration to the forces, and the current state of qualification studies remains unknown. The company also declined to comment about the specifics of the drone that was the target. According to Defense News, and citing personal sources involved in the trials, the unmanned aircraft that was taken down was the smallest target ever hit by a missile from the Spyder system.

"Rafael is a global expert and a leading manufacturer of air defense systems, proven effective in combating countless advanced threats over various distances," said retired Brigadier General Pini Jungman, the executive vice president and head of Rafael's air defense department. "The leading systems currently in use in Israel and worldwide include the Iron Dome, Spyder, and David's Sling."

Significantly, the announcement of a successful test came just one day after a drone attack on a military base in northern Israel on January 9. As a result of that operation, the IDF eliminated Hassan Abeida al-Hussein Ismail, the operational leader of Hezbollah responsible for drone attacks. The State of Israel faces constant aerial threats from militants in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.

"The success of the Spyder All in One system test represents another breakthrough, offering solutions tailored to evolving threats in different areas," added Jungman. "The test success marks a significant milestone in the system's development against various threats, demonstrating its exceptional effectiveness in intercepting difficult threats deployed from the ground."

Developed by Rafael of Israel, it uses modified Python-5, Derby, and I-Derby ER anti-aircraft missiles as effectors. The SPYDER system also comes with a command system and multifunction fire control radars. Radar-guided I-Derby ERs with a dual-impulse rocket engine are utilized by the Spyder-LR variant, capable of neutralizing threats up to 50 miles away and reaching altitudes of up to 12 miles. Vertical container rocket launchers carrying eight missiles are directed towards the targets.

The Israeli system is also offered in various other variants. The medium-range Spyder-MR uses L/M-2106 ATAR radar and has a range of up to 25 miles. The short-range Spyder-SR (up to 9 miles) is based on the EL/M-2084 MMR radar. The company's portfolio also includes the expanded range Spyder-ER (50 miles) variant. In these cases, four anti-aircraft missiles are contained in the launchers. The SPYDER-SR and SPYDER-ER launch missiles cover a full sphere at angles and operate in Lock On Before Launch or Lock On After Launch mode.

The Spyder All in One configuration integrates the radar, launcher, Toplite EO/IR optoelectronic head, control and command system, and intercepting Python and Derby missiles onto a single platform. According to the manufacturer, this configuration serves as the optimal solution for point or area air defense. It can function as part of a Spyder battery or be deployed individually with minimal user interaction, providing better operational autonomy on the battlefield.

This anti-aircraft system was modified to combat ballistic missiles, which are common in the conflict in Ukraine. Changes in design and software were also made based on learnings from military operations in Ukraine. Destruction of ballistic missiles became possible with the Derby LR. The Israeli conglomerate's authorities confirm that they specifically executed this for the Counter-TBM Spyder program at the request of potential European customers. Until now, their portfolio consisted of aerodynamic targets like planes, helicopters, maneuvering missiles, and UAVs.

This system's users are increasing steadily, including representatives in Europe, Africa, and Asia. In March, the Moroccan armed forces became one of the newer users. Notably interesting is the possession of Spyder by Georgia, which reportedly had one battery in stock in 2008 that was used during the war with Russia; however, this was not officially confirmed for a long time. As for the European NATO countries, only the Czech Republic has purchased this system, in September 2020, for protecting military groups, urban agglomerations, nuclear power plants, industrial centers, airports, and other critical infrastructure. The Czech Spyder is the only Israeli air defense system incorporated in the NATO architecture. Completing the All in One configuration system test brings important information for current users and prospective buyers.