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.
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.
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.