At a ceremony hosted by the Czech Republic on 19 September 2026, during NATO Days in Ostrava, one of Europe’s largest security and defense events, marking its 25th anniversary and coinciding with Czech Air Force Day, before some 200,000 attendees, Czech leadership and Rafael presented a landmark milestone in the two nations’ defense partnership: the SPYDER air defense system.
When the Czech Republic selected SPYDER in 2021 through a Government-to-Government agreement led by the Israel Ministry of Defense, it joined a growing group of nations operating the system. The partnership has since moved from signature to delivered capability: the first two of four contracted SPYDER batteries are already in the Czech Republic, and all have been manufactured.
The milestone was marked at the highest levels of government. The Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Mr. Andrej Babiš ,the Minister of Defense, Mr. Jaromír Zůna, the Deputy Chief of the General Staff, and the Commander of the Czech Air Force were joined by the Chairman of Rafael, Prof. Yuval Steinitz, with SPYDER on site.
A combat-proven foundation,
built to the strictest standards
The Czech SPYDER program is built on an operationally proven system in service with a double-digit number of customers worldwide. For the Czech Republic, it has been adapted with relevant upgrades to meet the requirements of the Czech armed forces and standards that meet NATO benchmarks and, in some areas, exceed them. The system is being validated through demanding testing, trials, and interoperability scenarios, including the ability to distinguish between targets in complex operational environments.
What began as a four-battery program is evolving toward a comprehensive, integrated national air defense capability spanning short- to long-range, with significant potential for further expansion. Potential developments might include a national-level command-and-control (C2) capability, ballistic missile defense, counter-UAS interceptors, and laser-based capabilities, alongside full interoperability with Czech and NATO standards.
A strategic partnership and a shared industrial future
The strategic relationship between Israel and the Czech Republic is reflected not only at the governmental level, but also in Rafael’s strong, longstanding partnership with the Czech defense industry, rooted in historic ties and genuine friendship between two allies.
Cooperation with the local Czech industry has been central to the program, supporting the local economy and enabling knowledge transfer. Both sides are engaged in advanced discussions to expand this industrial partnership further. Rafael’s ambition is to serve as the home of Czech air defense for decades and generations to come.
The Prime minister of the Czech Republic, Mr. Andrej Babiš, stated at the ceremony that “We are returning to the concept we established between 2017 and 2021, prioritizing air defense and counter-drone capabilities. It was during that period that we signed the agreement for the Israeli-made SPYDER system. The security of our citizens comes first, and the Czech Republic, alongside all of Europe, requires anti-ballistic missile defense”.
The Minister of defense of the Czech Republic, Mr. Jaromír Zůna: “I am pleased to be able to present the complete SPYDER system battery to the general public on this occasion. The introduction of this system represents a significant technological and qualitative advancement in the field of air defense and an important step in building modern, layered protection of our Republic’s airspace”.
Brig. Gen. (Res.) Yair Kulas, Head of SIBAT: “The Czech Republic’s selection of SPYDER through a Government-to-Government agreement led by the Israel Ministry of Defense brought a system already in service across the world into the hands of a valued NATO ally. The GTG framework means the State of Israel stands behind this agreement, reflecting the strategic relationship between our two governments. This partnership embodies the IMOD’s strategy, in which defense exports are a cornerstone in strengthening the IDF’s force buildup, advancing foreign policy goals, and driving growth across the defense industry and the broader economy. The IMOD will continue to deepen its defense cooperation with the Czech Republic, a valued NATO ally.”
Prof. Yuval Steinitz, Chairman of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems: “It is a matter of great pride that the Czech Republic, a valued NATO ally and a true friend of the State of Israel, placed its trust in Rafael׳s air defense technology. The SPYDER defense system, which includes the most advanced and agile interceptors in the world, had been presented today by the Czech air force. The bond between our two nations runs deep, and it is our privilege to stand behind it with capability proven in the most demanding conditions. Rafael intends to remain the home of Czech air defense for generations to come”.
Yoav Tourgeman, President & CEO, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems: “We are proud that the first system delivered to the Czech Republic is entering operational service. For Rafael, this marks an important milestone in our cooperation with the Czech Republic, a valued NATO member. Rafael is a global leader and a center of excellence for air defense systems that have been tested and proven under the most challenging operational conditions. The selection of Rafael’s combat proven capabilities by NATO nations reflects trust in our systems and their relevance to the air defense challenges of the modern battlefield. The real test of innovation is not only in developing advanced technology, but also in turning it into an available and effective operational capability. We will continue to innovate combat-proven solutions that provide this capability today and, in the years to come.”
About SPYDER
SPYDER is a mobile, multi-layered air defense system based on Rafael’s combat-proven PYTHON and I-DERBY air-to-air missiles, designed to intercept a wide range of aerial threats. Its modular architecture, rapid response time, and combat-proven capabilities protect strategic assets in both stationary and mobile missions. Confidence across Europe continues to grow: Romania’s selection is the largest deal in Rafael’s history, and in Greece, Rafael provides the core of the Achilles Shield air defense array.
Source: Rafael
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