Czech military begins deploying Spyder air defence system

The Czech military has completed operational trials of its new Spyder air defence system and is introducing it into service, Defence Minister Jaromír Zůna (SPD) said at NATO Days in Ostrava on Saturday. Czechia has purchased four Spyder batteries from Israel to replace systems dating from the 1970s. Deputy Chief of the General Staff Petr Čepelka said the new system is four to five times more capable and can counter aircraft, helicopters, drones and cruise missiles. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) said the military is also considering purchasing additional, newer-generation Spyder batteries.