HELSINKI, ($1 = 0.92 euros) – Finland intends to improve its air defense capabilities and liked Israeli mobile air defense systems [MADS or ADS] Spyder, which uses Python 5 and Derby missiles.
The war between Russia and Ukraine, and the possible threat of full-scale war in Europe and around the world, is forcing Helsinki to think more seriously about its defense. BulgariaMilitary.com recalls that in mid-February Defense Minister Antti Kaikkonen recently approved the purchase of an alternative long-range guided multiple launch system warhead. [ER GMLRS AW] and unitary extended range guided multiple launch rocket system [ER GMLRS UNITARY] rocket artillery effect.
What is Spider Ads?
Spider ADS is an Israeli mobile anti-aircraft missile system developed by two Israeli companies – Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and IAI, with Rafael in the lead. The Spider product line includes four possible air defense systems: SPYDER MFU-SR, SPYDER MFU-ER, SPYDER MFU-MR/LR and SPYDER MFU-AIO SR/ER. The main difference between the four mainly lies in the extent of the defeat. However, it is not known which of the four systems caught the attention of Finland, but most likely it is a medium-range air defense system.
The system consists of a truck-mounted command and control unit, radar, missile [3 or 6 depending on the modification], which have an integrated EC sensor. The whole system is an open architecture, which allows the integration of foreign or external components, as well as various hardware or software.
The average range of the system is up to 20 km. The hallmark of this Israeli development is that it uses dual-purpose air-to-air or surface-to-air missiles that share a complete community. The two missiles are Python-5 and Derby, respectively.
Python-5 missiles
All four Spider ADS air defense variants use both missiles. The difference is that in the medium and long range variants, the missiles use an additional booster set.
According to dozens of military experts, Python-5 is the most modern air-to-air missile in the world. The missile has dual-band infrared [IIR] and CCD Seeker, as well as the ability to be out of sight “lock after launch” [LOAL]. It was first used in 2006 as part of the armament of F-16 Fighting Falcons during the Lebanon War, and it was this missile that shot down two Iranian Ababil drones.
Python-5 is just over 3 meters long and has a diameter of 16 cm. It weighs about 105 kilograms, while the warhead built into the missile weighs 11 kg. The rocket travels at maximum speed just above Mach 4.
Missile Derby
The Derby missile is a BVR missile. Some experts say it is a continuation of the Phyton missile. It is just over 3.5 meters long and weighs 118 kg. The warhead weighs 23 kg and the range is almost 40 km at a maximum flight speed of Max 4.
However, Finland is interested in an air defense system that uses the latest version of this missile, namely I-Derby ER. For a long time, Israel only acknowledged the existence of this missile in 2015, when the Raphael company officially confirmed this fact. This missile has an increased range and reaches up to 100 km. This is achieved through the integration of a two-pulse rocket engine with solid fuel.
The I-Derby ER is many fighters’ favorite missile. In addition to Western, I-Derby ER can be embedded on Russian [Su-30MKI – India] or indian [Tejas] fighters. India has been trying for years to negotiate with Israel and buy these missiles.
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