Python (missile)

The Shafrir-1 was developed in 1959–1964 to fulfill IAF's requirement for a domestic air-to-air missile. It was intended to build the domestic defense industry's abilities, and reduce reliance on foreign imports. The fear of foreign dependence was later proven when France banned arms export to Israel.

The Shafrir-1 was intended for use on French-built Mirage III jets. The first testing took place in France in 1963. However the missile's performance was so poor that work immediately started on the next improved version, the Shafrir-2.[8]

• Length: 250 cm (98 in)
• Span: 55 cm (22 in)
• Diameter: 14 cm (5.5 in)
• Weight: 65 kg (143 lb)
• Guidance: IR
• Warhead: 11 kg (24 lb) blast explosive, later 30 kg (66 lb)
• Range: 5 km (3 mi)
• Speed: Mach 1.7

The Shafrir-2 was credited with 89 kills in the 1973 Yom Kippur War.[4] During its whole service life, it is credited with a total of 106 kills.

• Length: 250 cm (98 in)
• Span: 55 cm (22 in)
• Diameter: 15 cm (5.9 in)
• Weight: 93 kg (205 lb)
• Guidance: IR
• Warhead: 11 kg (24 lb)
• Range: 5 km (3 mi)
• Speed: Mach 2.1

Python 3 missile under the wing of an Israeli F-15 Eagle.

The Python-3 is a much-improved AAM with all-aspect attack ability, higher speed, range, and performance. It performed well before and during the 1982 Lebanon War, scoring 35 (other sources claim 50) kills.[7]

China's PLAAF was quite impressed with this missile, and paid for licensed production as the PL-8 AAM in the 1980s.[5] The program code named "Number 8 Project" (八号工程) and formally started on September 15, 1983. From March 1988 to April 1989, technology transfer to China was complete while license assembly and license built parts continued, and by the spring of 1989, the complete domestic Chinese built missile received state certification. The major supplier of the missile was Xi'an Eastern Machinery Factory (西安东方机械厂) located at Xi'an, and China is also reported to have developed a helmet-mounted sight (HMS) system for the PL-8.[5]

• Length: 295 cm (116 in)
• Span: 80 cm (31 in)
• Diameter: 16 cm (6.3 in)
• Weight: 120 kg (260 lb)
• Guidance: IR
• Warhead: 11 kg (24 lb), active proximity fuse
• Range: 15 km (9.3 mi)
• Speed: Mach 3.5

A Python 4 missile under the wing F-15D Baz '957'

The Python-4 is a 4th generation AAM with all-aspect attack ability, and integration with a helmet-mounted sight (HMS) system.[6] It entered service in the 1990s, and like its predecessor Python-3, it is integrated with the Elbit Systems DASH (Display And Sight Helmet) HMS system for Israeli F-15s and F-16s, Chilean F-16s (MLU and C/D block 50/52 plus), F-5E/F Tiger III, South American Kfirs and the SAAB JAS 39 Gripen. The missile's seeker is reported to use dual band technology array similar to that of US FIM-92 Stinger (infrared homing and ultraviolet), with IRCCM (IR ECCM) ability to reduce background IR radiation to reduce the effectiveness of enemy flares.[9]

• Length: 300 cm (120 in)
• Span: 50 cm (20 in)
• Diameter: 16 cm (6.3 in)
• Weight: 120 kg (260 lb)
• Guidance: IR
• Warhead: 11 kg (24 lb), active laser proximity fuse with back-up impact fuse
• Range: 15 km (9.3 mi)
• Speed: Mach 3.5 or more

Python-5, the latest member in the Python family of AAMs

A Python-5 AAM being fired from Indian Air Force HAL Tejas fighter

The Python-5[10] is currently the most capable air-to-air missile in Israel's inventory and one of the most advanced AAMs in the world. As a beyond-visual-range missile, 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.[7] 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 Ababil UAVs used by the Hezbollah.[1] On 13 May 2021, an Israeli F-16 shot down a Hamas operated Shehab suicide drone with a Python-5 air to air missile.[11][12][13][14]

• Length: 310 cm (120 in)
• Span: 64 cm (25 in)
• Diameter: 16 cm (6.3 in)
• Weight: 105 kg (231 lb)
• Guidance: IR + electro-optical imaging
• Warhead: 11 kg (24 lb)
• Range: > 20 km (12 mi)
• Speed: Mach 4

The Derby missile

Also known as the Alto, the Derby missile is a BVR, medium-range (~50 km (31 mi)) active radar homing missile. Though technically not part of the "Python" family, the missile is an enlarged version of the Python-4 with an active-radar seeker.[15]

• Length: 362 cm (143 in)
• Span: 64 cm (25 in)
• Diameter: 16 cm (6.3 in)
• Weight: 118 kg (260 lb)
• Guidance: Active Radar
• Warhead: 23 kg (51 lb)
• Range: 50 km (31 mi)
• Speed: Mach 4

In June 2015, Rafael confirmed the existence of the I-Derby-ER, an extended range version of the Derby that increases range to 54 nmi (62 mi; 100 km), after a "Python 6" version based on an air-launched 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.[16]

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 Indian Air Force's HAL Tejas fighter.[17]

SPYDER – Missiles Firing Unit

The SPYDER (Surface-to-air PYthon and DERby) 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.

•  Argentina – Shafrir-2 (350 missiles, delivered 1981).[18]
•  Bolivia – Python-3.[19]
•  Brazil – Python-3 (400 missiles, delivered 2001), Python-4 and Derby (200 missiles each, all delivered 2011).[18]
•  Chile – Shafrir-2 (50 missiles, delivered 1978), Python-3 (120 missiles, delivered 1997), Python-4 (280 missiles, delivered 2011) and Derby (60 missiles, delivered 2003).[18]
•  People's Republic of China – Python-3 (3000 missiles, delivered 1983, local designation PiLi-8 (PL-8)).[5][18]
•  Colombia – Shafrir-2 (80 missiles, delivered 1989), Python-3/4 (75 missiles each, all delivered 2005), Python-5 (100 missiles, delivered 2011) and Derby (40 missiles, delivered 2010).[18]
•  Ecuador – 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).[18]
•  El Salvador – Shafrir.[20]
•  Georgia – Python-5 and Derby missiles delivered as part of SPYDER system.[21]
•  Honduras – Shafrir-2 (100 missiles, delivered 1978).[18]
•  India – Python-4 and Python-5 (100 missiles, delivered 2007) and Derby.[18]
•  Israel – Shafrir-1/2, Python-4 and Python-5, (primary user, local designation Zephyr).
•  Philippines – Python-5 and Derby with solid rocket booster (part of SPYDER air defense system).[22][23]
•  Romania – Python-3.[24]
•  Singapore – Python-4 (600 missiles, delivered 2004) and Python-5 and Derby missiles.[18] As of 2023, Python-V are used on RSAF F-16C/D+ fighters.[25]
•  Republic of China (Taiwan) – Shafrir-2 (450 missiles, delivered 1977).[18]
•  Thailand – Python-4 (400–500 missiles, delivered 1990).[18]
•  Venezuela – Python-4 (54 missiles, delivered 2004).[18]
•  Vietnam – Python-5 and Derby (375 missiles each, delivered 2018 as part of SPYDER system).[18]

•  South Africa – Python-3 (local designation V3S Snake, delivered 1989 and retired in April 2008),[26] Derby (Local designation as R-Darter or V4).