Elderly Kub makes way for Spyder
2K12 KUB is in service since the 70s and requires frequent repair interventions (photo - Czech MoD)
The Czech MoD has formally ordered four batteries of the Rafael Spyder that will be delivered by 2026 and will be operated for at least 20 years.
This decision means that the 2K12 KUB (SA-6 ‘Gainful’) ground-based air defence (GBAD) system will be retired after about 50 years of Czech service.
Spyder will equip the 25th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment in Strakonice. Each battery will comprise a radar, four launcher devices, a charging vehicle and C2 systems mounted on an 8x8 Tatra 815 Series 7 chassis.
Lt Col Vlastimila Cyprisová, spokesperson for Public Affairs Office of the General Staff of the Czech Armed
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
Europe’s eastern flank moves on air defence radars with wider efforts also underway
Air defence radars have become more important assets in the past year with incursions in NATO countries on Europe’s eastern flank highlighting the need.
-
Australia’s SM-2 land trial could reshape ADF medium-range air defence plans
The first ground launch of the SM-2 could offer Canberra a path to expand its missile defence capability by adapting systems already fielded across the ADF.
-
New teams form to compete for British Army Land Rover replacement
The UK’s Land Mobility Programme Light Mobility Vehicle requirement is designed to replace the British Army’s ageing fleet of Land Rovers with a vehicle with a Gross Vehicular Mass of less than 3,500kg. It could be for as many as 6,000 vehicles.
-
FIA 2026: MBDA launches low-cost interceptor for short-range air defence
At FIA 2026, MBDA launched its Counter Mass Interceptor (CMI) which the company says is a mass-producible, low-cost effector for fire-and-forget engagements at range and altitude.