India to buy Israeli surface-to-air missiles

India is close to wrapping up a Rs 1,800-crore deal with Israel for buying Spyder quick reaction air defence missile systems.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is purchasing 18 Spyder missile systems, Air Chief Marshal S P Tyagi said here today. The system's Python-5 and Derby missiles will give IAF the capability to engage enemy aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones and precision-guided munitions.

"Price negotiations are over and the deal has been sent to the Cabinet Committee on Security for clearance" Tyagi said.

The system can provide air defence for fixed assets like airbases, nuclear installations, VVIP buildings and point and area defence for mobile forces.

Israeli and European consortium MBDT were in the contention. With a kill range of less than one kilometre to more than 15 km at altitudes from 20 metres to a maximum of 9,000 metres, the Spyder be achieve full-readiness state in less than five seconds of target confirmation.

The system, built by Rafeal armament development authority and MBT missile division with Elta radar and Israeli Aircraft Industries, is capable of simultaneously engaging multiple targets. It can operate day and night in all weather conditions.