[Text/Observer Network Zhang Xuanhao] According to Reuters, Israel has confirmed that it will export SPYDER missile air defense system to the UAE. In addition, it is reported that the UAE will also import Israel's anti-drone technology while purchasing SPYDER missile air defense system. However, it is still unclear how many launch systems will be delivered, what missiles will be equipped with, and how long it will take to deliver.
Picture: SPYDER air defense system at the air show
SPYDER missile air defense system is the full name of "surface-to-air monster snake and Derby missile system". It is an area-to-air missile system modified by Israel Lafayette Defense Systems based on its two successful air-to-air missiles. As its name suggests, the SPYDER system mainly launches two types of missiles, the Snake-5 missile responsible for medium- and short-range interception and the Derby missile responsible for medium- and long-range interception.
A SPYDER missile air defense system includes four launch vehicles, a command vehicle, and several ammunition supply and transport vehicles. The command vehicle includes an EL/M-2106 ATAR 3D active phased array radar. The radar has the ability to track and strike multiple air targets at the same time, can detect typical third-generation aircraft over 100 kilometers, and discover drones or hovering helicopter targets within a range of 40 kilometers to 60 kilometers.
Picture: Part of a SPYDER air defense system
According to the Jerusalem Post, Israel displayed the system to the UAE at the 2021 IDEX International Defense Exhibition held in Dubai last year. It is very likely that the two sides had negotiated on the procurement of the SPYDER missile air defense system at that time.
The UAE has faced various threats from Iran, Yemen and Islamic terrorist organizations for many years. On January 17 this year, drone attacks occurred in two places in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The attack killed three civilians, injured several construction workers, and damaged a terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Coincidentally, the day before the attack, the UAE had just signed a contract with South Korea to purchase South Korea's "Shenbow" missile air defense system.
At present, the UAE is equipped with a variety of air defense systems to protect its homeland security, from the US-made THAAD anti-ballistic missile system, the Patriot 2/3 missile air defense system, and the Russian-made armored S1 ammunition-in-1 air defense system. However, the interception efficiency of these air defense systems for medium and low-altitude targets is obviously not satisfactory to the UAE, so it is also reasonable for the UAE to choose to purchase Israel's SPYDER air defense system to strengthen its low-altitude air defense capabilities.
Today's Russian website commented on the matter, saying that the procurement occurred at the same time as the United States and Israel formed a Middle East Air Defense Alliance, which was jointly initiated by the United States and Israel to synchronize regional air defense systems to combat Iranian drone and missile attacks.
The US-Israeli air defense alliance is destined to anger Iran. Iran has criticized the new air defense alliance, saying that the establishment of the alliance has exacerbated the instability problem in the Middle East. Tehran also condemned Israel as the "main source" of conflict in the region and condemned the UAE, Bahrain and other Muslim-majority countries for participating in the air defense alliance.
