The Czech Republic has signed a deal to buy a new air defense system from the Israeli government, AP reports.

The SPYDER system, manufactured by the Israeli state-owned company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., is capable of providing protection against aircraft, helicopters, bombers, cruise missiles and other weapons.

The Czech defense ministry said the deal to acquire four short-range air defense batteries is worth CZK 13.7 billion ($ 630 million), with delivery due to be completed by 2026.

Defense Minister Lubomir Metnar said the Israeli system will play a key role in the ongoing modernization of the Czech military. It will replace the outdated Soviet-era 2K12 KUB anti-aircraft system to protect military and civilian centers such as industrial centers, nuclear power plants, airports and other critical facilities.