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{{Short description|Israeli short-range air-to-air missile}}
{{Infobox weapon
| is_missile         = yes
| name               = Rafael PYTHON
| 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/Finder]]<br />[[IAI Kfir]]<br />[[HAL Tejas]]<br />[[KAI T-50 Golden Eagle]]<ref name="rafael.co.il">https://www.rafael.co.il/system/i-derby-er/</ref><br />[[Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master|Leonardo M-346FA Master]]<ref name="rafael.co.il">https://www.rafael.co.il/system/i-derby-er/</ref><br />[[Saab JAS 39 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'' ({{langx|he|שפריר}}, loosely translated as a dome, or a protective cloak – 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'' ({{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>

Further improvements to the Python-3 led to the development of Python-4 in mid-1980s, which added the option for helmet-sight guidance.<ref name="python4">{{cite web |url=http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/missile_systems/air_missiles/python/Python4.html |title=Python-4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060721190258/http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/missile_systems/air_missiles/python/Python4.html |archive-date=2006-07-21 |website=www.Israeli-Weapons.com}}</ref> In the 1990s Rafael started development on the Python-5 AAM, which was equipped with an advanced electro-optical imaging seeker with lock-on after-launch ability.<ref name="python5">{{cite web |url=http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/missile_systems/air_missiles/python/Python5.html |title=Python-5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060715230748/http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/missile_systems/air_missiles/python/Python5.html |archive-date=2006-07-15 |url-status=dead |website=www.Israeli-Weapons.com}}</ref> The new missile was show-cased in 2003 [[Paris Air Show]], and intended for service with IAF the [[F-15I|F-15I Ra'am]] ("Thunder") and the [[F-16C/D Fighting Falcon|F-16I Sufa]] ("Storm").

The Python-5 is said to have full sphere launch ability or is an all-aspect missile, meaning it can be launched at a target regardless of the target's location relative to the direction of the launching aircraft. It can lock onto targets after launch, even when they are up to 100 degrees off the [[gun harmonisation|boresight]] of the launching aircraft.

==Variants==
===Shafrir-1===
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 [[Dassault Mirage III|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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/missile_systems/air_missiles/python/Python1.html |title=Shafrir 1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080922153739/http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/missile_systems/air_missiles/python/Python1.html |archive-date=2008-09-22 |website=www.Israeli-Weapons.com}}</ref>

*Length: {{cvt|250|cm|in|abbr=on}}
*Span: {{cvt|55|cm|in|abbr=on}}
*Diameter: {{cvt|14|cm|in|abbr=on}}
*Weight: {{cvt|65|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
*Guidance: IR
*Warhead: {{cvt|11|kg|lb|abbr=on}} blast explosive, later {{cvt|30|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
*Range: {{cvt|5|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}
*Speed: Mach 1.7

===Shafrir-2===
The Shafrir-2 was credited with 89 kills in the 1973 Yom Kippur War.<ref name="python2"/> During its whole service life, it is credited with a total of 106 kills.

*Length: {{cvt|250|cm|in|abbr=on}}
*Span: {{cvt|55|cm|in|abbr=on}}
*Diameter: {{cvt|15|cm|in|abbr=on}}
*Weight: {{cvt|93|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
*Guidance: IR
*Warhead: {{cvt|11|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
*Range: {{cvt|5|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}
*Speed: Mach 2.1

===Python-3===
[[File:Rafael Python 3 3.jpg|thumb|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.<ref name="python5"/>

China's [[People's Liberation Army Air Force|PLAAF]] was quite impressed with this missile, and paid for licensed production as the [[PL-8 (missile)|PL-8 AAM]] in the 1980s.<ref name="SINOD"/> 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.<ref name="SINOD"/>

*Length: {{cvt|295|cm|in|abbr=on}}
*Span: {{cvt|80|cm|in|abbr=on}}
*Diameter: {{cvt|16|cm|in|abbr=on}}
*Weight: {{cvt|120|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
*Guidance: IR
*Warhead: {{cvt|11|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, active proximity fuse
*Range: {{cvt|15|km|mi|abbr=on}}
*Speed: Mach 3.5

===Python-4===
[[File:Rafael Python 4.jpg|thumb|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.<ref name="python4"/> It entered service in the 1990s, and like its predecessor Python-3, it is integrated with the [[Elbit Systems]] DASH ([[helmet mounted display#Display And Sight Helmet (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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sci.fi/~fta/python4.html |title=Fourth Generation AAMs – The Rafael Python 4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060925143819/http://www.sci.fi/~fta/python4.html |archive-date=2006-09-25 |publisher=Australian Aviation |author=Carlo Kopp |date=April 1997 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

*Length: {{cvt|300|cm|in|abbr=on}}
*Span: {{cvt|50|cm|in|abbr=on}}
*Diameter: {{cvt|16|cm|in|abbr=on}}
*Weight: {{cvt|120|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
*Guidance: IR
*Warhead: {{cvt|11|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, [[active laser]] proximity fuse with back-up impact fuse
*Range: {{cvt|15|km|mi|abbr=on}}
*Speed: Mach 3.5 or more

===Python-5===
[[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. 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 Shahed 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|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://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}}
*Span: {{cvt|64|cm|in|abbr=on}}
*Diameter: {{cvt|16|cm|in|abbr=on}}
*Weight: {{cvt|105|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
*Guidance: IR + electro-optical imaging
*Warhead: {{cvt|11|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
*Range: > {{cvt|20|km|mi|abbr=on}}
*Speed: Mach 4

==Other Python developments==
===Derby===
[[File:Derby missile.jpg|thumb|The ''Derby'' missile]]

Also known as the Alto, the Derby missile is a [[Beyond-visual-range missile|BVR]], medium-range (~{{cvt|50|km|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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/missile_systems/air_missiles/derby/Derby.html |title=Derby Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060718065607/http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/missile_systems/air_missiles/derby/Derby.html |archive-date=2006-07-18 |website=www.Israeli-Weapons.com |url-status=dead}}</ref>

*Length: {{cvt|362|cm|in|abbr=on}}
*Span: {{cvt|64|cm|in|abbr=on}}
*Diameter: {{cvt|16|cm|in|abbr=on}}
*Weight: {{cvt|118|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
*Guidance: Active Radar
*Warhead: {{cvt|23|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
*Range: {{cvt|50|km|mi|abbr=on}}
*Speed: Mach 4

====I-Derby ER====
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>{{Cite 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 |work=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===
{{Main|SPYDER}}
[[File:SPYDER.jpg|thumb|SPYDER—missile 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==
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->

[[File:Defense.gov News Photo 010124-D-0000X-001.jpg|thumb|Two [[PL-8 (missile)|PL-8]] AAMs are clearly visible on a Chinese Navy [[Shenyang J-8]] interceptor]]

===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"/>
*{{CHI}} – Shafrir-2 (50 missiles, delivered 1978), Python-3 (120 missiles, delivered 1997), Python-4 (280 missiles, delivered 2011) and Derby (60 missiles, delivered 2003).<ref name="SIPRI"/>
*{{PRC}} – Python-3 (3000 missiles, delivered 1983, local designation [[PL-8 (missile)|PiLi-8 (PL-8)]]).<ref name="SINOD"/><ref name="SIPRI"/>
*{{COL}} – 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).<ref name="SIPRI"/>
*{{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 |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>
*{{ROC-TW}} – Shafrir-2 (450 missiles, delivered 1977).<ref name="SIPRI"/>
*{{THA}} – Python-4 (400–500 missiles, delivered 1990).<ref name="SIPRI"/>
*{{VEN}} – Python-4 (54 missiles, delivered 2004).<ref name="SIPRI"/>
*{{VIE}} – Python-5 and Derby (375 missiles each, delivered 2018 as part of SPYDER system).<ref name="SIPRI"/>

===Former operators===
*{{RSA}} – Python-3 (local designation V3S Snake, delivered 1989 and retired in April 2008),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/weapons/68/v3s-snake-rafael-python-3|title=V3S Snake (Rafael Python 3)|publisher=South African Air Force unofficial website|access-date=20 March 2012}}</ref> Derby (Local designation as R-Darter or V4).

=== Future operators ===

*{{CZE}} –  I-Derby ER (48 missiles, delivered by 2027).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gosselin-Malo |first=Elisabeth |date=2023-10-27 |title=Czech Republic orders new batch of air-to-air missiles from Rafael |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/10/27/czech-republic-orders-new-batch-of-air-to-air-missiles-from-rafael/ |access-date=2023-10-27 |website=Defense News |language=en}}</ref>

==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}}
* {{lwc|R-73 (missile)|R-73}}

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Python missiles}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20160304174623/http://www.rafael.co.il/marketing/SIP_STORAGE/FILES/1/921.pdf Python-5 brochure] at Rafael's official site
*{{cite web |url=https://www.rafael.co.il/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/python-5-eng.pdf |title=Python-5 Full-Sphere Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) Missile for Air-to-Air or Air Defense Missions |publisher=RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517204504/https://www.rafael.co.il/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/python-5-eng.pdf |archive-date=2022-05-17 |url-status=live}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20141018133648/http://www.rafael.co.il/marketing/SIP_STORAGE/FILES/0/950.pdf Derby brochure] at Rafael's official site
*[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/israel/shafrir.htm Shafrir-1/2] on GlobalSecurity.org
*[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/israel/python3.htm Python-3/4/5] on GlobalSecurity.org
*[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/israel/alto.htm Derby] on GlobalSecurity.org
*[[Federation of American Scientists]]' website on [https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/row/python3.htm Python-3] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828051330/https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/row/python3.htm |date=2016-08-28 }}
*Federation of American Scientists' website on [https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/row/python4.htm Python-4] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828050852/https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/row/python4.htm |date=2016-08-28 }}
*Federation of American Scientists' website on [https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/row/alto.htm Derby] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828042244/https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/row/alto.htm |date=2016-08-28 }}
*[http://www.ausairpower.net/TE-Gen-4-AAM-97.html Fourth Generation AAMs – The Rafael Python 4]
{{Rafael Advanced Defense Systems}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Python (Missile)}}
[[Category:Air-to-air missiles of Israel|Python-5]]
[[Category:Rafael Advanced Defense Systems]]
[[Category:Israeli inventions]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1960s]]
[[Category:Short range air-to-air missiles]]