Description:
The Surface-to-Air Python & Derby Air Defense System (SPYDER) is a quick reaction, low level missile system designed to successfully counter attacks by fixed and rotary wing aircraft, missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It can launch both Derby medium range active radar seeker missile and Python 5 advanced dual waveband IR short range missile.
The SPYDER provides highly deployable air defense capability covering 360� during day, night and adverse weather conditions engaging multiple threats simultaneously. It features two engagement modes: Lock-On-Before Launch (LOBL) (fire and forget capability) and Lock-On-After Launch (LOAL) (fire and update capability).
The SPYDER can engage targets from 1 to 15 kilometers flying at altitudes between 20 and 9,000 meters. It is suitable for high value assets defense as well as to provide area air defense to front-line military units.
The SPYDER air defense system comprises a Command and Control Unit (CCU) and typically 6 Missile Firing Units (MFUs) connected to the CCU via wireless data link. The MFU carries a combination of 4 Derby and Python 5 missiles inside a 4-cell rotary launcher. The CCU carries the Elta EL/M 2106 radar system to provide early warning and fire control capabilities. Both the CCU and FMUs have been mounted on trucks for better mobility.
Specifications Number of Weapons: 24
Performance: Ceiling 9,000 m (29,528 ft), Max Range 15,000 m (49,213 ft), Min Range 1,000 m (3,281 ft)
India / 18 
Israel