SPYDER is a vehicle-based mobile air defence system developed by Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). Rafael is the prime contractor and IAI is the major subcontractor for the SPYDER program.

It is a surface-to-air missile system. The system can be fitted atop multiple trucks, and fires Rafael’s Python-5 and Derby missiles. The SPYDER-SR uses the EL/M-2106 ATAR radar while the SPYDER-MR incorporates the EL/M-2084 MMR radar.

The SPYDER has been reported as used in the 2008 Russian-Georgian war by Georgia.^[1]Analysis: Georgia’s Air Defence in the August War In 2019 it was reportedly used by India to shoot down a Pakistani surveillance drone in 2019 over Gujarat^[2]Reports: India Used SPYDER System to Shoot Down Pakistani Drone, and the same year Indian forces accidently shot an Indian air force helicopter with it, killing the 6 soldiers it carried.^[3]Budgam Mi-17 crash: IAF chief admits big mistake, says our own missile hit chopper

In 2020, it was announced that by 2021 the system will also be sold to the Philippines.^[4]Philippine Air Force to start receiving Rafael Spyder in 2021: report

Variations: SPYDER-MR (Medium Range), SPYDER-SR (Short Range)

The Spyder system is not used by the Israeli military.

The Spyder system was tested in Israel. In 2005 missiles were fired against test targets in Shdema, Israel and scored direct hits. Since then, it has been showcased in multiple military exhibitions throughout the world.^[5]Israeli Spyder system emerges as “favouritefor” Indian Army’s defence needs