The Vietnam People’s Air Force has received a new batch of surface-to-air SPYDER-SR air defence system, that was reported by soha.vn.
According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the new batch of SPYDER-SR medium range mobile air defence system is the second of 6 ordered from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in 2015.
The SPYDER (Surface-to-air PYthon and DERby) is an Israeli-made short and medium range mobile air defence. The new air defence system developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems with assistance from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
First deliveries were highlighted in July 2016. Vietnamese air defence systems are mounted on RMMV HX purpose-designed tactical military trucks manufactured by Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles.
There are reports that claim that Georgia operated the SPYDER-SR during the 2008 Russo-Georgian War. The Georgian air force could have operated up to four launchers of the SPYDER-SR and it is likely that the system was lost in the conflict.