Rafael’s SPYDER ADS Family

Short to Long Range Mobile Air Defence Systems


Spyder (Surface-to-Air Python & Derby Air Defence System) is a quick reaction, mobile surface-to-air missile system to counter attacks by aircraft, helicopters UAVs and precision-guided munitions. The system provides effective protection of valuable assets, as well as first-class defence for maneuvering forces in the combat area. The system is capable of search-on- the-move fire within short halt.

Spyder incorporates Rafael's most advanced air-to-air missiles - the I-Derby active radar (RF) missile and Python-5, a dual waveband Imaging Infra Red (IIR) missile. The Spyder family includes Spyder-SR (Short Range), SpyderER (Extended Range), Spyder-MR (Medium Range) and Spyder LR (Long Range) systems.

Python 5 and Derby are in service in the IAF as part of the Spyder LLQRM programme and as air-to-air missiles on the LCA. These missiles and their advanced versions will be part of future air-to-air and air defence programmes in the Indian Air Force and the Army. Both missiles can potentially be integrated on LCA, Hawk, Su-30 or any other combat aircraft in the IAF. 

The truck-mounted Command and Control Unit (CCU) comprises surveillance radar with advanced ECCM capabilities that can simultaneously track multiple targets. Wireless data link communication enables deployment of the MFUs at a distance from the CCU. The CCU can operate with neighbouringSpyder air defence batteries and share information with higher echelons. This interoperability provides the SPYDER air defence system with high flexibility in combat situations. The CCU is capable of search-on-the-move fire within short halt.

Spyder's highly modular structure also allows easy adaptation to customer platforms and future growth. Its truck-mounted Missile Firing Units (MFU) are equipped with both IIR and RF missiles. The MFU carries any combination (IIR/RF) of missiles on a launcher assembly. SPYDER has 360° day/night all-weather engagement capability. The system can also engage multiple threats simultaneously. It has Lock-On-Before Launch (LOBL) and Lock-On-After Launch (LOAL) modes of operation. 

With a shared operational approach and technologies, a mix of SpyderFamily elements can be deployed together for significant advantages such as SR/MR launchers, embedded Radar / External radar.

SPYDER-SR/ER

Spyder-SR provides all-weather, network-centric, self-propelled, multi-launch, short-range air defence. The system enables 360° missile launching within less than five seconds of the target being declared hostile by the system. Spyder-SR features Rafael’s advanced air-to-air missiles - the Derby Active Radar missile and Python-5, a sophisticated dual-waveband Imaging Infra Red (IIR) missile. 

Spyder ER - using the same launching system with advanced version of RF Missile, Derby MK III, the system more than doubles the range and altitude.

SPYDER-MR/LR

Spyder-MR Medium Range Air Defence Missile System (MRADMS) shares Spyder-SR’s technology. Spyder-MR engages and destroys the same wide spectrum of threats at medium ranges. It protects high-value assets (capital areas, air force bases, etc.) as well as maneuvering combat forces. 

Spyder-MR provides all-weather, network-centric, self-propelled, multi-launch, quick-reaction ADS capability. Spyder-MR enables 360°missile launching within seconds of the target being declared hostile by the system. The system features the proven-performance air-to-air missiles - the Derby Active Radar missile and Python-5, a sophisticated dual-waveband Imaging Infra Red (IIR) missile. Both missiles are equipped with a booster. 

SPYDER LR uses the same launching system with advanced version of RF Missile, Derby MK III with a  booster, the system significantly increases the range and the altitude.

Rafael is also proud to announce that a substantial share of its air defence portfolio is now made in India. Its joint venture company, Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems (KRAS) is displaying the air defence capability at its stall at Defexpo 2020.