Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the Israeli company that produces the Iron Dome and Iron Beam systems, has successfully tested an upgraded version of its Spyder air-defense system against multiple aerial threats, including unmanned aerial vehicles with low radar signatures.
The test in Israel employed the system’s I-DERBY ER and I-DERBY LR missiles and achieved direct hit-to-kill interceptions in complex scenarios, the company said. Rafael said the upgrades draw on operational lessons from the war in Israel and deployments elsewhere.
Spyder is a mobile short- to medium-range system designed to protect forces and critical infrastructure from aircraft, helicopters, drones and precision-guided weapons. It features a modular architecture that supports both stationary and mobile configurations and is already in service with several international customers, including Romania and the Czech Republic.
The demonstration comes as militaries worldwide reassess air defenses amid the rapid proliferation of low-cost drones and cruise missiles, a challenge highlighted by recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
“The test underscores the company’s focus on adapting combat-proven systems through operational experience and technological innovation,” Rafael CEO Yoav Turgeman said.
Spyder is part of Rafael’s broader portfolio that also includes Iron Dome, Iron Beam and David’s Sling.
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