A SPYDER surface-to-air missile is fired in a test in an undated photograph. (Rafael Advanced Defense Systems)
Israel has agreed to sell SPYDER air-defense systems to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Reuters news agency reported on September 22.
This is the first such known deal between Israel and the UAE since they forged ties two years ago in the framework of the Abraham Accords, which were sponsored by the United States.
Two sources with knowledge on the deal told Reuters that Israel approved a UAE request for air-defense system in the middle of the summer, without elaborating. A third source said that the UAE had acquired Israeli technology capable of combating drone attacks like those that struck Abu Dhabi earlier this year.
The SPYDER [Surface-to-air Python and Derby] is a short and medium range mobile air-defense system developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems with assistance from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
The system is capable of engaging warplanes, helicopters, drones and precision-guided munitions. It provides air defense for fixed assets and for point and area defense for mobile forces in combat areas.
As indicated by its name, the SPYDER is armed with ground-launched versions of the infrared-guided Python-5 missile and the radar-guided Derby missile. The first has a maximum effective range of 20 kilometers, while the second has a range of up to 50 kilometers.
The more advanced versions of the system, the SPYDER-MR, comprises the EL/M-2084 3D AESA radar. The radar operates in the S-band. It can process up to 1,200 targets when in air surveillance mode and also detects targets located 250 kilometers away.
Elta’s EL/M-2084 MMR radar’s antenna. (The United States Missile Defense Agency)
The UAE will likely use the Israeli SPYDER systems to counter drones usually used by Iran and its proxies in the region, as suggested by Reuters sources. Abu Dhabi already has a missile shield built around US-made MIM-104 Patriot and THAAD systems.
The new arms deal highlights the growing relations between Israel and the UAE. It also reveals Abu Dhabi ongoing efforts to boost its military capabilities. According to a very recent report by Reuters, the Gulf state has already purchased 20 combat drones from Turkey.
