Starting last week, several Philippine news reports, specifically those from Interaksyon.com, The Manila Standard and the Philippine Daily Inquirer both recently reported of an impending purchase of surface-to-air missile systems from Israel by the Philippine's Department of National Defense (DND). As reported, it says that the DND is in advanced negotiations with Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (Rafael) and Israel Military Industries (IMI), and that Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin is scheduled to visit Israel to
Due to the level of security issues surrounding such programs, MaxDefense would not want to be in the forefront of bringing the information to the public. But the cat is out of the bag anyway.
The DND is indeed pursuing a program to purchase surface-to-air missile systems, and it been going on for some time already. Due to the on-and-off style of military planning, it is actually a plan that has been in the works for several decades and is not really something new. But MaxDefense will consider this specific program as a new one since the systems and quantity offered in the past are different from those offered now.
Another issue brought out was that the system was reportedly to be provided to the Philippine Army, instead of the air defense oriented Philippine Air Force. MaxDefense confirms that the army is indeed the intended operator of these air defense system although it is not yet final.
MaxDefense sources confirm that Rafael is indeed at the forefront of the program and is offering the SPYDER-MR medium range air defense system. SPYDER (Surface-to-air PYthon and DERby) is a short to medium range air defense missile system based on the Python-5 short range dual waveband imaging infrared (IIR) air-to-air missile, and the Derby beyond visual range (BVR) active radar air-to-air missiles and are fired from ground-based launchers. The "MR" indicates that the system is a medium range one, and doing so it uses an added booster system on the missiles as well as a longer-ranged radar. It has an intercept range of around 50km at an altitude of over 16km,
Sources also confirmed that the SR (short range) version is also offered and might be considered depending on further requirements and the advancement of discussions between the DND and Rafael. The SR uses the normal Python-5 and Derby missiles without the booster system, and are interchangeable with the standard air-to-air versions.
The SPYDER air defense system (ADS) battery/squadron is composed of a command & control unit which acts as the radar and communications unit, 6 launch vehicles with 2 Derby missiles and 2 Python-5 missiles each; and associated missile loaders/supply vehicles and other service vehicles.
A future addition to the SPYDER system is its capability to accept the next generation Stunner (aka David's Sling or Magic Wand) interceptor missile, which is designed to take on incoming cruise missiles and long range rockets. If the Philippines takes the SPYDER system into its arsenal, it will also be possible for it to be equipped with the said missile in the future.
Although the news reports indicate that the DND is also in talks with the IMI, it might be an unintended mistaken and was really meant as "IAI" or Israeli Aerospace Industries, which supplies the Python-5 and Derby missiles as well as the IAI/Elta radar and C&C systems for the SPYDER ADS. MaxDefense is still verifying if IAI is also offering their air defense systems to the DND, which includes the Indian-Israeli collaboration Barak-8 (aka Barak II), which has a longer range than the SPYDER-MR's missiles. IAI is also believed to be offering the Barak-8 missile for the Philippine Navy's (PN) requirement for ship-based air defense system for the new frigate program and the up-arming of the Gregorio del Pilar-class frigates (to be discussed in a separate blog) so the possibility of it being offered for a ground based system is also very likely.
Another advantage is that SPYDER uses the same missiles that can be used by air force fighter aircraft. Since SPYDER uses the same Python-5 and Derby missiles used in aircraft, the compatibility, supply and maintenance issues can be simplified between them. The PAF appears to also be interested in using Python-5 and Derby missiles for its upcoming KAI FA-50 fighters and other future fighters as well. The FA-50 is said to have provisions, but are not yet integrated to fire both Israeli missiles, but development and integration is believed to be ongoing as well.
Due to the SPYDER's capability and the Israeli's cooperation in providing the Philippines with the arms it needs, the best delivery date, and less political strings attached, there is no doubt that the SPYDER ADS is a deal that may get sealed within the next few months according to MaxDefense sources. A big boost indeed for the air defense capability of the Philippine military, as well as a boost of confidence to the Philippines government's seriousness in improving its limited defense capability to defend its territory and sovereignty.
Among its current users, it is worthwhile to note that Singapore's military uses the SPYDER-SR system as one of the cornerstones of its air defense capability. With Singapore's stringent defense product acceptance methods and consistent decisions in choosing the best military hardware out there, it is already a strong vote of confidence to the SPYDER's capabilities.
MaxDefense opinion is for the DND to be serious on this endeavor this time. The news on the DND's interest in Israeli missiles has reached far in diplomatic, security and defense communities worldwide as this blog is written. The DND should seriously consider the SPYDER system for its medium-range air defense requirements, and also seriously consider the Barak 8 system for both the ground based and ship-based air defense system.
Since the DND is already dealing with Israeli missile system suppliers, the DND should also try to consider the Advanced Naval Attack Missile aka Gabriel 5 for the ship-based and even ground based anti-ship missile systems.
Due to the level of security issues surrounding such programs, MaxDefense would not want to be in the forefront of bringing the information to the public. But the cat is out of the bag anyway.
The DND is indeed pursuing a program to purchase surface-to-air missile systems, and it been going on for some time already. Due to the on-and-off style of military planning, it is actually a plan that has been in the works for several decades and is not really something new. But MaxDefense will consider this specific program as a new one since the systems and quantity offered in the past are different from those offered now.
Another issue brought out was that the system was reportedly to be provided to the Philippine Army, instead of the air defense oriented Philippine Air Force. MaxDefense confirms that the army is indeed the intended operator of these air defense system although it is not yet final.
 |
| The SPYDER-SR and SPYDER-MR in comparison. Photo taken from Rafael website. |
MaxDefense sources confirm that Rafael is indeed at the forefront of the program and is offering the SPYDER-MR medium range air defense system. SPYDER (Surface-to-air PYthon and DERby) is a short to medium range air defense missile system based on the Python-5 short range dual waveband imaging infrared (IIR) air-to-air missile, and the Derby beyond visual range (BVR) active radar air-to-air missiles and are fired from ground-based launchers. The "MR" indicates that the system is a medium range one, and doing so it uses an added booster system on the missiles as well as a longer-ranged radar. It has an intercept range of around 50km at an altitude of over 16km,
 |
| Main components of the Spyder ADS system, shown is for the SR version. Photo taken from Rafael website. |
Sources also confirmed that the SR (short range) version is also offered and might be considered depending on further requirements and the advancement of discussions between the DND and Rafael. The SR uses the normal Python-5 and Derby missiles without the booster system, and are interchangeable with the standard air-to-air versions.
 |
| The Python-5, Derby, Python-5 with booster, and Derby with booster, and the Stunner missile (aka David's Sling) which is set to replace the Hawk and Patriot systems in the Israeli military. |
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| An illustration of the SPYDER ADS when deployed with other batteries. Photo taken from Rafael website. |
A future addition to the SPYDER system is its capability to accept the next generation Stunner (aka David's Sling or Magic Wand) interceptor missile, which is designed to take on incoming cruise missiles and long range rockets. If the Philippines takes the SPYDER system into its arsenal, it will also be possible for it to be equipped with the said missile in the future.
Although the news reports indicate that the DND is also in talks with the IMI, it might be an unintended mistaken and was really meant as "IAI" or Israeli Aerospace Industries, which supplies the Python-5 and Derby missiles as well as the IAI/Elta radar and C&C systems for the SPYDER ADS. MaxDefense is still verifying if IAI is also offering their air defense systems to the DND, which includes the Indian-Israeli collaboration Barak-8 (aka Barak II), which has a longer range than the SPYDER-MR's missiles. IAI is also believed to be offering the Barak-8 missile for the Philippine Navy's (PN) requirement for ship-based air defense system for the new frigate program and the up-arming of the Gregorio del Pilar-class frigates (to be discussed in a separate blog) so the possibility of it being offered for a ground based system is also very likely.
 |
| The IAI Python-5 IIR missile, can be used by fighter aircraft and the SPYDER ADS. |
Due to the SPYDER's capability and the Israeli's cooperation in providing the Philippines with the arms it needs, the best delivery date, and less political strings attached, there is no doubt that the SPYDER ADS is a deal that may get sealed within the next few months according to MaxDefense sources. A big boost indeed for the air defense capability of the Philippine military, as well as a boost of confidence to the Philippines government's seriousness in improving its limited defense capability to defend its territory and sovereignty.
Among its current users, it is worthwhile to note that Singapore's military uses the SPYDER-SR system as one of the cornerstones of its air defense capability. With Singapore's stringent defense product acceptance methods and consistent decisions in choosing the best military hardware out there, it is already a strong vote of confidence to the SPYDER's capabilities.
MaxDefense opinion is for the DND to be serious on this endeavor this time. The news on the DND's interest in Israeli missiles has reached far in diplomatic, security and defense communities worldwide as this blog is written. The DND should seriously consider the SPYDER system for its medium-range air defense requirements, and also seriously consider the Barak 8 system for both the ground based and ship-based air defense system.
Since the DND is already dealing with Israeli missile system suppliers, the DND should also try to consider the Advanced Naval Attack Missile aka Gabriel 5 for the ship-based and even ground based anti-ship missile systems.
