Kenya Takes Delivery of Israeli SPYDER Air Defence System in $26m Deal

Kenya has received the SPYDER air defence system from Israel under a KSh 3.4 billion (about $26 million) agreement aimed at strengthening the country’s military capabilities.

The system was delivered in mid-December aboard a CAL Cargo Airlines aircraft as part of Kenya’s broader military modernisation programme. The acquisition is being financed through a loan backed by the Israeli government, following negotiations announced earlier this year by President William Ruto’s administration.

Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the SPYDER is a mobile, quick-reaction air defence solution designed to counter a wide range of aerial threats. It is capable of intercepting aircraft, drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), helicopters and precision-guided munitions, with additional capacity to counter tactical ballistic missile threats.

The SPYDER family includes short-, medium-, long- and extended-range variants, as well as an all-in-one configuration. The system is built around the Python-5 and Derby missiles, adapted from air-to-air weapons for ground-based deployment.

Kenyan authorities say the new system will enhance national security by improving the country’s ability to respond swiftly to emerging airborne threats.