Article Posted on : - Aug 19, 2009

A file photo of Derby missile. The SpyDer missile system been developed using the surface-to-air versions of Derby and Python 5 missiles.

NEW DELHI (BNS): The Defence Ministry has selected the Israeli quick-reaction surface-to-air missile (QR-SAM) systems - SpyDer - to meet the Indian Army’s requirement of defence weapons to protect against aerial threats, according to a media report here.

The Defence Acquisitions Council, chaired by Defence Minister A K Antony, had discussed the matter on Monday. Though there was no official confirmation, The Times of India, quoting sources, said that the SpyDer QR-SAM system has been selected for the project.

The Army is now on course to procure three regiments of the anti-aircraft missile system from Israel at a cost of around Rs 4,000 crore, the report said.

The Indian Air Force has already on its way to induct 18 SpyDer systems at a cost over Rs 1,800 crore.

The SpyDer anti-aircraft missile system has been developed by Israeli firm RAFAEL, using surface-to-air versions of the Python 5 and Derby missiles. The quick reaction medium range missile system is capable of engaging aircraft, helicopters, unmanned air vehicles, drones and precision-guided munitions. It provides air defence for fixed assets and for point and area defence for mobile forces in combat areas.