Czech Republic signs deal to buy new air defense system from Israel

The Czech Republic has signed a deal to buy a new air defense system from the Israeli government, AP reports.

The SPYDER system, manufactured by the Israeli state-owned company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., is capable of providing protection against aircraft, helicopters, bombers, cruise missiles and other weapons.

The Czech defense ministry said the deal to acquire four short-range air defense batteries is worth CZK 13.7 billion ($ 630 million), with delivery due to be completed by 2026.