PRAGUE, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Czech military will purchase eight 3D mobile air-defense radars (MADR) worth 3.5 billion Czech crowns (152 million U.S dollars) from Israel, according to a news release from the Czech Ministry of Defense on Thursday.

"The purchase of MADR radars is one of our key modernization projects. Czech soldiers urgently need this technology," said Defense Minister Lubomir Metnar. "We will obtain a top-notch and proven combat system from our important strategic partner."

Israeli radars are already compatible with NATO systems, said the ministry in its press release, adding that these radar systems will be delivered to the Czech Republic through Elta Systems, an Israeli defense firm, and put into operation by 2023.