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{{Short description|Israeli short-range air-to-air missile}}
{{Infobox weapon
| is_missile = yes
| name = Rafael PythonPYTHON
| image = Python5-missile001.jpg
| image_size = 300
| caption = The newest and the oldest member of the Python family of AAM for comparisons, Python-5 (displayed lower-front) and Shafrir-1 (upper-back).
| origin = Israel<!-- For weapons infobox, please do not change to flag icon such as {{ISR}}. -->
| type = [[Air-to-air missile#Short-range air-to-air missile|Short-range air-to-air missile]]
| used_by = [[#Operators|See ''operators'']]
| manufacturer = [[Rafael Advanced Defense Systems]]
| unit_cost = Shafrir series: Shafrir-1: {{US$|20,000}}
| propellant =
| production_date = * Shafrir series: 1961–1983
* Python series: 1980–present
| service =
| engine = solid fuel rocket motor
| engine_power =
| weight = {{Convert|103.6|kg|lboz|abbr=off|lk=on}}
| length = {{Convert|3.1|m|abbr=off|lk=on}}
| height =
| diameter = {{Convert|160|mm|abbr=off|lk=on}}
| wingspan = {{Convert|640|mm|abbr=on}}
| speed = Mach 4
| vehicle_range = >{{Convert|20|km|abbr=off|lk=on}}
| ceiling =
| altitude = N/A
| filling = {{Convert|11|kg|lboz|abbr=on}}
| guidance = [[infrared homing]] + 320×240 pixel dual waveband electro-optical imaging seeker, lock on after launch, with infrared counter-counter-measures (IRCCM)
| detonation = proximity
| launch_platform = Aircraft:
[[British Aerospace Sea Harrier|BAE Sea Harrier]]<br />[[CASA C-101|CASA C-101 Aviojet]]<br />[[List of McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II variants|F-4E ''Kurnass 2000'']]<br />[[Northrop F-5#Upgrades|F-5E/F Tiger-II]]<br />[[McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle]]<br />[[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon]]<ref name="f-16.net">[http://www.f-16.net/aircraft-database/F-16/airframe-profile/2482/ Airframe Details for F-16 #87-1672]. F-16.net. Retrieved on 2013-07-17.</ref><br />[[Dassault Mirage III]]<br />[[Dassault Mirage 5]]<br />[[Dassault Mirage 2000]]<br />[[Eurofighter Typhoon]]<ref name="rafael.co.il">https://www.rafael.co.il/system/i-derby-er/</ref><br />[[IAI Nesher|IAI Nesher/Dagger/FingerFinder]]<br />[[IAI Kfir]]<br />[[BritishHAL AerospaceTejas]]<br Sea/>[[KAI Harrier|BAET-50 SeaGolden HarrierEagle]]<ref name="rafael.co.il">https://www.rafael.co.il/system/i-derby-er/</ref><br />[[HALAlenia TejasAermacchi M-346 Master|Leonardo M-346FA Master]]<ref name="rafael.co.il">https://www.rafael.co.il/system/i-derby-er/</ref><br />[[SAABSaab GripenJAS NG39 Gripen]]<ref name="saabgroup.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.saabgroup.com/Air/Gripen-Fighter-System/Gripen-Para-o-Brasil/O-Caca-Gripen-NG/ |title=Gripen for Brazil – The Fighter |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130331001718/http://www.saabgroup.com/Air/Gripen-Fighter-System/Gripen-Para-o-Brasil/O-Caca-Gripen-NG/ |archive-date=2013-03-31 |website=Saabgroup.com}}</ref><br />[[Sukhoi Su-30MKI]]{{Citation needed|date=October 2009}}<br />[[Sukhoi Su-25#Su-25KM|Su-25KM ''Scorpion'']]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://geo-army.ge/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=39&Itemid=9&lang=en |title=Fighter SU-25KM (Scorpion) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527062053/http://geo-army.ge/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=39&Itemid=9&lang=en |archive-date=2016-05-27 |url-status=dead |website=Geo-army.ge}}</ref>
}}
 
The Rafael '''Python''' (stylized all [[Letter case|uppercase]]; '''''פיתון)''''') is a family of [[air-to-air missile]]s (AAMs) built by the Israeli weapons manufacturer [[Rafael Advanced Defense Systems]], formerly RAFAEL Armament Development Authority. Originally starting with the ''Shafrir'' ({{lang-langx|he|שפריר}}, loosely translated as a dome, or a protective cloak – the Israeli military considers itself mostly defensive, but also similar sounding to [[Dragonfly]], a male form of [[inflection]] for [[Damselfly]] (שפירית)) series, the ''Shafrir-1'' missile was developed in 1959, followed by the ''Shafrir-2'' in early 1970s. Subsequently, the missiles were given the western name of "''Python''" by the parent company for export purposes, starting with the ''Python-3'' in 1978. Since then, it has been further developed and evolved into the ''Python-4'', ''Python-5'', ''Derby'' and also, the [[SPYDER]], an advanced ground-based air-defence system. Currently, the missiles are in service with the armed forces of over fifteen countries from around the world.
 
==Design and development==
[[File:PythonGenerHe.png|thumb|left|Listed from top to bottom: Shafrir-1, Shafrir-2, Python-3, Python-4, Python-5.]]
 
In the 1950s, the [[Israeli Air Force]] (IAF) submitted requirements for a domestically made air-to-air missile, to promote domestic defense industry and reduce reliance on imports. Rafael Armament Development Authority was contracted to develop the ''Shafrir'' ({{lang-langx|he|שפריר}}, loosely translated as [[Dragonfly]], a male form of [[inflection]] for [[Damselfly]], (שפרירית)) in 1959. The missile entered operational status with Israeli [[Dassault Mirage III|Mirage jets]] in 1963, but the IAF was unhappy with its performance and no air combat kills were achieved with it during the [[Six-Day War]], kills being made with guns instead. The improved Shafrir-2 was soon introduced in 1971, and it proved to be one of the most successful air-to-air missiles ever made. During the 1973 [[Yom Kippur War]], the IAF launched 176 Shafrir-2 missiles, destroying 89 enemy aircraft.<ref name="python2">{{cite web |url=http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/missile_systems/air_missiles/python/Python2.html |title=Shafrir-2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914040916/http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/missile_systems/air_missiles/python/Python2.html |archive-date=2008-09-14 |website=www.Israeli-Weapons.com |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Shafrir-2 was exported along with Israeli-made aircraft to [[South America]]n countries.
 
After the Shafrir-2, the new missiles made by Rafael were given the western name of '''Python'''. This is why the next missile built by Rafael in early 1970s was named Python-3, but there is no Python-1 or Python-2 (they were Shafrir-1, Shafrir-2). The Python-3 has improved range and [[all-aspect]] attack ability, it proved itself before and during the [[1982 Lebanon War]], destroying 35 enemy aircraft. The [[China|People's Republic of China]] was impressed with its performance and license-built the Python-3 as the [[PL-8 (missile)|PiLi-8 (PL-8) AAM]].<ref name="SINOD">{{cite web|url=http://www.sinodefence.com/airforce/weapon/pl8.asp|title=PiLi-8 Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile|date=12 October 2008|publisher=SinoDefence.com|access-date=20 March 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123130704/http://www.sinodefence.com/airforce/weapon/pl8.asp|archive-date=23 January 2012}}</ref>
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[[File:Python5 missile.jpg|thumb|Python-5, the latest member in the Python family of AAMs]]
[[File:HAL Tejas (LSP-07) firing Python-5 missile better visibility.png|alt=A Python-5 AAM being fired from Indian Air Force HAL Tejas fighter during certification tests|thumb|A Python-5 AAM being fired from Indian Air Force [[HAL Tejas]] fighter]]
The Python-5<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rafael.co.il/marketing/SIP_STORAGE/FILES/9/1189.pdf |title=Python-5 Full Sphere IR Air-to-Air or Surface-to-Air Missile |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729222556/http://www.rafael.co.il/marketing/SIP_STORAGE/FILES/9/1189.pdf |archive-date=2016-07-29 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Python-5 |url=https://www.rafael.co.il/system/python5/ |access-date= |website=www.rafael.co.il}}</ref> is currently the most capable visual range [[air-to-air missile]] in Israel's inventory and one of the most advanced AAMs in the world{{Citation needed|date=July 2023}}. As a [[beyondshort range air-visualto-rangeair missile]]missiles, it is capable of "lock-on after launch" (LOAL), and has full-sphere/all-direction (including rearward) attack ability. The missile features an advanced seeker which includes an [[electro-optical]] and [[imaging infrared]] homing seeker which scans the target area for hostile aircraft, then locks-on for terminal chase, and a complex design utilizing a total of eighteen aerodynamic surfaces.<ref name="python5"/> The Python-5 was first used in combat during the [[2006 Lebanon War]], when it was used by F-16 Fighting Falcons to destroy two Iranian-made [[Ghods Ababil|Ababil UAVs]] used by the [[Hezbollah]].<ref name="f-16.net"/>
On 13 May 2021, an Israeli F-16 shot down a Hamas operated ShehabShahed suicide drone with a Python-5 air-to-air missile.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2021/05/17/iron-dome-intercepts-drone-during-combat-for-first-time-says-israeli-military/ |title=Iron Dome intercepts drone during combat for first time, says Israeli military |date=17 May 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210620002841/https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2021/05/17/iron-dome-intercepts-drone-during-combat-for-first-time-says-israeli-military/ |archive-date=2021-06-20 |url-status=live |access-date=2021-05-23 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| last1=Gross | first1=Judah Ari |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/footage-shows-idf-fighter-jet-shooting-down-suicide-drone-launched-from-gaza/|title = Footage shows IDF fighter jet shooting down 'suicide drone' launched from Gaza|website = [[The Times of Israel]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2021/05/13/israeli-jet-shoots-down-suicide-drone-launched-from-gaza/|title=Israeli jet shoots down 'suicide drone' launched from Gaza Strip|date=13 May 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/40601/palestinian-militants-are-now-launching-suicide-drones-at-israel|title=Palestinian Militants Are Now Launching Suicide Drones At Israel|first=Joseph|last=Trevithick|date=May 13, 2021|website=The Drive}}</ref>
 
*Length: {{cvt|310|cm|in|abbr=on}}
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In June 2015, Rafael confirmed the existence of the I-Derby-ER, an extended range version of the Derby that increases range to {{convert|54|nmi|mi km|abbr=on}}, after a "Python 6" version based on an air-launched [[David's Sling|Stunner missile]] was abandoned. To achieve greater range, a dual-pulse solid rocket motor is added, where the secondary pulse of energy as the missile nears the target extends flight time. It also combines the seeker and fuse into an integrated sensor and fusing system to make room for the new motor.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/israel-long-range-fashion-catches-on-in-iaf-421153/ ISRAEL: Long-range fashion catches on in IAF] – Flightglobal.com, 25 January 2015</ref>
 
In May 2019, it was reported that India was planning to arm its [[Sukhoi Su-30MKI]] fighters with I-Derby ER missiles to replace its [[R-77]] missiles. Previously, in 2018, it had already been selected for the Indian Air Force's [[HAL Tejas]] fighter.<ref>{{citeCite web |last1=Bedi |first1=Rahul |title=IAF plans to arm its Su-30MKI fleet with I-Derby ER BVRAAMs |url=https://www.janes.com/article/88867/iaf-plans-to-arm-its-su-30mki-fleet-with-i-derby-er-bvraams |publisherwork=Jane's Defence Weekly |language=en |date=29 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529175655/https://www.janes.com/article/88867/iaf-plans-to-arm-its-su-30mki-fleet-with-i-derby-er-bvraams |archive-date=2019-05-29 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
 
===SPYDER===
[[File:SPYDER.jpg|thumb|SPYDER – Missiles Firing Unit]]
{{Main|SPYDER}}
[[File:SPYDER.jpg|thumb|SPYDERSPYDER—missile firing Missilesunit Firing Unit(MFU)]]
 
The SPYDER ('''S'''urface-to-air '''PY'''thon and '''DER'''by) is an advanced ground -based anti-aircraft missile system developed by Rafael that uses surface-to-air versions of the Python-5 and Derby missiles.
 
==Operators==
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===Current operators===
*{{ARG}} – Shafrir-2 (350 missiles, delivered 1981).<ref name="SIPRI">{{cite web|url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php|title=SIPRI arms transfer database|date=3 April 2014|publisher=[[Stockholm International Peace Research Institute]]|access-date=3 April 2014|archive-date=13 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513073842/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*{{BOL}} – Python-3.<ref>{{cite book|last=International Institute for Strategic Studies|author-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies|title=The Military Balance 2010|year=2010|publisher=[[Taylor and Francis]]|___location=United Kingdom|isbn=9781857435573 |page=72}}</ref>
*{{BRA}} – Python-3 (400 missiles, delivered 2001), Python-4 and Derby (200 missiles each, all delivered 2011).<ref name="SIPRI"/>
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*{{ECU}} – Shafrir-2 (75 missiles, delivered 1984), Python-3/Python-4 (60 missiles, delivered 1996), Python-5 (50 missiles, delivered 2001) and Derby (60 missiles, delivered 2003).<ref name="SIPRI"/>
*{{ELS}} – Shafrir.<ref>{{cite book|last=International Institute for Strategic Studies|author-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies|title=The Military Balance 2010|year=2010|publisher=[[Taylor and Francis]]|___location=United Kingdom|isbn=9781857435573 |page=82}}</ref>{{Clarify|date=March 2012}}
*{{GEO}} – Python-5 and Derby missiles delivered as part of [[SPYDER]] system.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php|title=Trade Registers|website=armstrade.sipri.org|access-date=2012-03-20|archive-date=2011-05-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513073842/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*{{HON}} – Shafrir-2 (100 missiles, delivered 1978).<ref name="SIPRI"/>
*{{IND}} – Python-4 and Python-5 (100 missiles, delivered 2007) and I-Derby ER.<ref name="SIPRI"/>
*{{ISR}} – Shafrir-1/2, Python-4 and Python-5, (primary user, local designation ''Zephyr'').
*{{PHL}} – Python-5 and Derby with solid rocket booster (part of [[SPYDER]] air defense system).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mario Alvaro |first=Limos |date=16 May 2021 |title=Israel Is Supplying Air Defense Missiles to the Philippines |url=https://wwwid.summitmedia.com.ph?d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.esquiremag.ph/politics/news/israel%2Fpolitics%2Fnews%2Fisrael-supplying-air-defense-missiles-philippines-a00293-20210516 |access-date= |website=[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nepomuceno |first=Priam |date=30 December 2022 |title=Yearender: AFP ends 2022 with anti-air missile capability |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1191493 |access-date= |website=www.pna.gov.ph |language=en}}</ref>
*{{ROM}} – Python-3.<ref>{{cite book|last=International Institute for Strategic Studies|author-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies|title=The Military Balance 2010|year=2010|publisher=[[Taylor and Francis]]|___location=United Kingdom|isbn=9781857435573 |page=158}}</ref>
*{{SGP}} – Python-4 (600 missiles, delivered 2004) and Python-5 and Derby missiles.<ref name="SIPRI"/> As of 2023, Python-V are used on RSAF F-16C/D+ fighters.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2023-news-aviation-aerospace/september/9213-singapore-air-force-upgraded-f-16c-d-fighter-now-armed-with-python-5-air-to-air-missiles.html#google_vignette | title=Singapore Air Force upgraded F-16C/D+ fighter now armed with Python-5 air-to-air missiles }}</ref>
*{{ROC-TW}} – Shafrir-2 (450 missiles, delivered 1977).<ref name="SIPRI"/>
*{{THA}} – Python-4 (400–500 missiles, delivered 1990).<ref name="SIPRI"/>
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==See also==
* [[List of munitions used by the Israeli Air Force]]
* [[{{lwc|AIM-9 Sidewinder]]}}
* [[{{lwc|IRIS-T]]}}
*{{lwc|Merlin (missile)|Merlin}} (Turkey)
* [[{{lwc|ASRAAM]]}}
* [[R-73 (missile)]]
* [[Astra{{lwc|R-73 (missile)]]|R-73}}
 
==References==
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*[http://www.ausairpower.net/TE-Gen-4-AAM-97.html Fourth Generation AAMs – The Rafael Python 4]
{{Rafael Advanced Defense Systems}}
 
<!--
approximate link
[[ko:파이톤 5 미사일]]
[[ru:Rafael Python 5]]
-->
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Python (Missile)}}
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[[Category:Israeli inventions]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1960s]]
[[Category:Short range air-to-air missiles]]