Python (missile): Difference between revisions

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[[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. As a short range air-to-air 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]] | 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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*{{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 |last2= |date=16 May 2021 |title=Israel Is Supplying Air Defense Missiles to the Philippines |url=https://id.summitmedia.com.ph?d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.esquiremag.ph%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 | title=Singapore Air Force upgraded F-16C/D+ fighter now armed with Python-5 air-to-air missiles }}</ref>