Documents
Israel Rafael Advanced Defense Systems
SPYDER
An Israeli mobile short-to-medium-range air-defense system that fires both Python and Derby air-to-air-derived missiles from ground launchers for quick-reaction coverage. It is widely exported for its flexible dual-missile loadout.
In service since 2007 · 10 operator countries
Compiled from public sources ·primary reference ↗ ·last verified 2026-07-02
35
km range
16,000
m altitude
4
targets
40
km radar
Pricing: Unit cost not publicly disclosed
Procurement snapshot
Availability & export
Israeli export-licensed
Israeli MoD (DECA/SIBAT) licensing; active export programme.
Channel: Direct commercial / G2G
Fielded & proven
Established · 10 operators
In service since 2007. Status: active.
Lifecycle cost (est.)
No public unit price to model from. Why so few systems publish one →
Interoperability
No standardised NATO calibre / datalink detected in public specs.
Derived guidance from public data, export regime by country of origin, lifecycle from the GAO ~30% acquisition rule. Verify eligibility, pricing and offsets with the manufacturer and your acquisition authority.
Full specifications
Performance
Speed, range, altitude and engagement capability.
| Max speed (Mach) Maximum speed as a multiple of the speed of sound. Mach 2+ is typical for air-superiority fighters. | 4 Mach |
|---|---|
| Engagement range Maximum distance at which an air-defense system can intercept targets. Higher covers more airspace. | 35 km |
| Engagement altitude Maximum target altitude the system can reach. | 16,000 m |
| Simultaneous targets Number of targets the system can engage at once. Higher resists saturation attacks. | 4 |
Firepower
Armament, payload and guidance.
| Main armament Primary weapon: main gun, cannon or missile type. | Python-5 and Derby interceptor missiles |
|---|---|
| Warhead Warhead mass. Heavier generally means larger effect radius, at the cost of range. | 23 kg |
| Warhead type Blast-fragmentation, shaped charge (HEAT), penetrator, thermobaric or nuclear-capable. | Fragmentation |
| Guidance How the weapon finds its target: inertial, GPS/GLONASS, active/semi-active radar, infrared, laser, TV, wire. | Imaging infrared homing, Active radar homing |
Sensors & avionics
Radar, sensor suite and datalinks.
| Radar Primary radar. AESA (active electronically scanned array) is the current state of the art. | EL/M-2106 ATAR 3D surveillance radar |
|---|---|
| Radar range Published detection range against a typical fighter-sized target. Higher sees first. | 40 km |
| Datalink Network connectivity: Link 16, MADL, national datalinks. Enables cooperative engagement. | Command and control unit datalink |
Program
Cost, production scale and operators.
| Operator countries Number of countries operating the system. More operators means broader support ecosystem. | 10 |
|---|
Specifications compiled from public Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and reference sources ↗. Published defense figures are approximations, treat comparisons as directional. Last verified 2026-07-02.
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SPYDER vs
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HQ-9 Frequently asked questions
What is the engagement range of the Rafael Advanced Defense Systems SPYDER? +
The Rafael Advanced Defense Systems SPYDER has a maximum engagement range of 35 km.
What is the main armament of the Rafael Advanced Defense Systems SPYDER? +
The Rafael Advanced Defense Systems SPYDER's primary weapon is the Python-5 and Derby interceptor missiles.
What is the Rafael Advanced Defense Systems SPYDER used for? +
The Rafael Advanced Defense Systems SPYDER is a air defense system typically used for air defense.
How many countries operate the Rafael Advanced Defense Systems SPYDER? +
The Rafael Advanced Defense Systems SPYDER is operated by 10 countries.
How much does the Rafael Advanced Defense Systems SPYDER cost? +
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems SPYDER: Unit cost not publicly disclosed. Defense program costs are rarely fully public and vary by contract and configuration.
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Related coverage
SPYDER in the news
News technology · Aug 3, 2026
Rafael Tests Upgraded SPYDER Air-Defense System on Drones
Rafael's upgraded SPYDER scored hit-to-kill intercepts on low-signature drones in a new trial, sharpening a system already exported to Romania, Czech Republic and beyond.
News digest · Jul 25, 2026
Interceptor Economics Went From Theory to Policy This Week
From Iron Beam's few-dollar laser shots to Tomahawk-starved B-1B strikes on Iran, this week's defense news turned interceptor math into policy.
News procurement · Jul 24, 2026
Greece approves $4B Israeli 'Achilles Shield' air-defense deal
Greece's security council approved a roughly $4 billion, three-tier Israeli air-defense package, its largest single defense purchase and Israel's biggest arms export ever.