# Ethiopia acquires Spyder air defence system from Rafael

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2020/05/ethiopia-acquires-spyder-air-defence-system-from-rafael/
- Published: 2020-05-14T07:12:00+01:00
- Author: Patrick Kenyette

In a move that has raised eyebrows in Cairo, Ethiopia has completed the installation
of the Israeli-made Spyder air defense system at its Grand Renaissance Dam. This
strategic acquisition is part of Ethiopia’s broader defense modernization, which
saw the country spend over $400 million last year on military equipment, predominantly
from Israel, according to the Stockholm Peace Institute.

The Spyder system, known for its dual missile firing capability, was chosen by Ethiopia
following its impressive performance in the recent Indian-Pakistani conflicts in
Kashmir. This procurement is seen as a protective measure for the Grand Renaissance
Dam, a multi-billion dollar hydroelectric project that Egypt fears will significantly
reduce its Nile water supply.

Egypt, which relies on the Nile for around 55.5 billion cubic meters of water annually,
views the dam as a national security threat. Abbas al-Sharaqi, a water resources
expert at Cairo University, warns of the dam’s “devastating effects” on Egypt’s 
water resources.

Despite historical animosities, Egypt and Israel have been strengthening their cooperation,
sharing concerns over regional security threats. This has led some Cairo analysts
to speculate that Israel would not risk its relationship with Egypt by supplying
Ethiopia with advanced military technology.

The Nile dispute remains a contentious issue, with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah
al-Sisi advocating for cooperation among Nile Basin countries. Meanwhile, Ethiopia
sees the river as essential for its burgeoning manufacturing industry and hydroelectric
power generation.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Addis chose the Spyder-MR air defense system to shield the Great Renaissance Dam
project after watching its performance in the Indian-Pakistani clashes in Kashmir
five months ago. It is the only system known to be capable of simultaneously launching
two different types of missile – a Python-5 (5km range) and Derby-6 (50km range).
Spyder-MR is the product of three Israeli firms, Rafael, which makes the missiles:
the MBT Missiles Division of Israel Aerospace Industries – the trucks on which the
missiles are mounted; and Elta Systems for the radar.
Work on installing the air
defense system which began in May has just been completed.

ADVERTISEMENT

As tensions simmer, Egypt has invested in water desalination projects as a contingency
against potential shortages. The Ethiopian defense upgrade, however, suggests a 
readiness to defend the dam if necessary, despite Egypt’s official stance against
military intervention.

The situation calls for delicate diplomacy to prevent conflict over this shared 
and vital resource, highlighting the intricate web of regional politics, security,
and economic interests.

### _Related_