Kenya has acquired an advanced SPYDER (Surface-to-air PYthon and DERby) air defence system from Israel, significantly bolstering the Kenya Defence Forces' capability to counter aerial threats. The system, delivered in December 2025, was financed through an Israeli government-backed loan of approximately Ksh3.4 billion ($26 million).

• The SPYDER system is an all-weather, quick-reaction surface-to-air missile platform capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously at ranges up to 100 kilometres.
• Manufactured by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, it features advanced counter-drone technology and missile types like Python-5 and Derby.
• This acquisition, negotiated by President William Ruto in July 2025, reflects Kenya's efforts to modernize its defense amid evolving regional security challenges, including threats from Al-Shabaab.