Czechia to Purchase Four More SPYDER Defence Systems

Currently, the Czech Republic possesses two SPYDER batteries and is awaiting two more that were ordered previously. Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš stated on Wednesday, following a meeting with Minister of Defence Jaromír Zuna, that the signing of a new contract is planned. To realise this decision, the Prime Minister intends to speak with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who is currently visiting Prague. “It is important that we do this as quickly as possible within the framework of a G2G agreement with Israel,” Babiš declared.

SPYDER is not the only Israeli equipment utilised by the Czech Republic. The Czech army also uses EL/M-2084 MMR radars and drones. The Czech Republic is currently among Israel’s most reliable allies in the region. Following the meeting with Minister Sa’ar, his Czech counterpart Petr Macinka assured that the Czech Republic will not allow the European Union to impose any new trade sanctions on Israel, even if it were to block them as the sole member state. Prague also intends to prevent the freezing of the Association Agreement between the EU and Israel.

Minister Gideon Sa’ar called the Czech Republic a true friend of Israel. He stated that the governments of some European countries are harming relations between the European Union and Tel Aviv. In Prague, parallel to the Israeli minister’s visit, a demonstration by opponents of Israel’s policies was held. Several dozen people with Palestinian flags gathered in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters.