Kenya Receives Israeli SPYDER Air Defence System
Kenya has received an advanced Surface-to-Air PYthon and DERby (SPYDER) air defence system from Israel, which significantly improves the Kenya Defence Forces’ ability to combat aerial threats.
The system, built by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, was supposedly delivered this month, in December 2025.
The system is intended to counter a variety of airborne threats, including aeroplanes, drones, helicopters, and guided missiles.
According to sources, the transaction was part of a bilateral credit arrangement made by President William Ruto in July 2025 and financed by an Israeli government-backed loan for Ksh3.4 billion ($26 million).
The SPYDER system is an all-weather, quick-reaction, low-to-medium-level surface-to-air missile system.
Kenya has received an advanced Surface-to-air PYthon and DERby (SPYDER) air defence system from Israel at an estimated cost of Ksh.3.4 billion.
— Terryanne Chebet (@TerryanneChebet) December 15, 2025
The system, manufactured by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and is designed to counter aerial threats, such as aircraft, drones,… pic.twitter.com/LMFH9SRGNM
It moves quickly, detects threats while in motion, and can engage multiple targets at distances of up to 100 kilometers.
One of its most notable characteristics is superior counter-drone technology, which enables it to identify, track, and kill unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), a rising problem in modern combat.
It can launch in 360 degrees in seconds after detecting a threat. It supports the “lock-on before launch” (LOBL) and “lock-on after launch” (LOAL) modes.
The system includes advanced radar systems from Israel Aerospace Industries’ (IAI) Elta division, including the EL/M-2106 ATAR for short-range and the EL/M-2084 MMR for medium-range variants.
The system uses dual-use Python-5 (infrared homing) and Derby (active radar homing) missiles, which can also serve as air-to-air missiles.
The different variants (SR, MR, LR, ER, All-in-One) utilize these missiles with or without boosters to achieve different ranges and altitudes.
Security analysts say the acquisition reflects Kenya’s effort to modernise its defence systems amid evolving regional security challenges, including the threat posed by Al-Shabaab.
The deal also reinforces the deepening military and security cooperation between Kenya and Israel, particularly in intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism, and defence technology.
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The SPYDER system is already in service in several countries, including India, Singapore, Morocco, and the Czech Republic, with the Czech Republic becoming the first NATO member to deploy it.
Kenya now joins Ethiopia and Morocco as the only African countries using the Israeli-made SPYDER air defence system.
The system is expected to enhance national security by providing a credible safeguard against aerial threats.
It will also help position the country among a growing list of nations investing in advanced air defence capabilities.
Kenya Receives Israeli SPYDER Air Defence System
