Czechs sign $630m deal for Israeli-made air defence system

Prague to aquire Spyder system made by weapons maker Rafael as part of military modernisation drive.

The Czech Republic has signed a $630m deal to buy a new air defence system from Israel, marking the central European nation’s latest move to modernise its armed forces.

Announced on Tuesday, the agreement will see Prague procure the Spyder system made by the Israeli state-run company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.

Spyder is capable of providing protection against aircraft, helicopters, bombers, cruise missiles and other weapons.