Rafael SPYDER

SPYDER (Surface-to-air PYthon and DERby) reuses — like NASAMS — existing air-to-air missiles (Python-5 and Derby) as ground-launched SAMs. Two versions: SPYDER-SR (short-range, 15 km) and SPYDER-MR (medium-range, 35 km). The Python-5 is a dual-color IIR seeker missile (second-generation all-aspect IR), the Derby an active radar-homing missile. By including both types in a single launcher (typically four missiles), SPYDER has two independent sensor modalities — the same philosophy as David's Sling but tactical instead of strategic. A battery has an EL/M-2106 ATAR radar or equivalent, plus a command and reload truck. Users: India (largest customer, ~18 batteries), Singapore, Czechia, Philippines, Vietnam, Georgia.