Czechs pick preferred partner for mobile air defence requirement
The selection of Rafael as preferred bidder for the Czech Republic’s mobile air defence requirement is notable for including a strong element of local industrial workshare
The Army of the Czech Republic (ACR) will use SPYDER short- and medium-range air defence systems from Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, officials in Prague have confirmed.
Negotiations with the Israeli government for SPYDER-MR and SPYDER-SR were signalled on 25 September by Czech Minister of Defence Lubomír Metnar, following a competitive evaluation process.
Procurement of four SPYDER batteries, each with its own 3D radar, fire control system and four launchers, will cost an estimated CZK10 billion ($440 million). Both governments expect to conclude the deal in early 2021.
The new equipment will replace obsolete Soviet-era: 2К12 (NATO: SA-6 ‘Gainful’)
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