Missile Shafrir / Python

Development began in 1959 to meet a requirement for a domestic air-to-air missile. The initial Shafrir-1 entered operational status in 1963. This was followed by the Shafrir-2 in 1971. The series was designated Python for export purposes beginning with the Python-3 in 1978. Subsequent iterations include the Python-4 and the Python-5.

The missile family utilizes solid fuel rocket motors. Early variants like the Shafrir-1 employed infrared guidance and blast explosive warheads. The Python-3 introduced all-aspect attack capability and an active proximity fuse. The Python-4 incorporated a dual-band seeker using infrared and ultraviolet technology for infrared counter-counter-measures (IRCCM) and integrated with helmet-mounted sight systems. The Python-5 utilizes an electro-optical imaging seeker with lock-on after launch (LOAL) and full-sphere attack capability, enabling engagements up to 100 degrees off-boresight. The Derby variant utilizes active radar homing for beyond-visual-range engagements, while the I-Derby ER employs a dual-pulse solid rocket motor. Surface-to-air versions are utilized in the SPYDER air defense system.

The system is widely deployed and has been exported to countries including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, India, Singapore, and Vietnam. The People's Republic of China produces the Python-3 under license as the PL-8. The missile is integrated into various aircraft platforms, including the F-15, F-16, Mirage III, Su-30MKI, and JAS 39 Gripen.

During the 1973 Yom Kippur War, the Shafrir-2 was credited with 89 kills. The Python-3 was utilized during the 1982 Lebanon War, where it destroyed 35 enemy aircraft. The Python-5 recorded combat kills during the 2006 Lebanon War, intercepting two Ababil UAVs. In May 2021, an F-16 used a Python-5 to destroy a Shahed suicide drone.

🇦🇷 Argentina • 🇧🇴 Bolivia • 🇧🇷 Brazil • 🇨🇱 Chile • 🇨🇳 China • 🇨🇴 Colombia • 🇨🇿 Czech Republic • 🇪🇨 Ecuador • 🇬🇪 Georgia • 🇭🇳 Honduras • 🇮🇳 India • 🇮🇱 Israel • 🇵🇭 Philippines • 🇷🇴 Romania • 🇸🇬 Singapore • 🇸🇻 El Salvador • 🇹🇭 Thailand • 🇹🇼 Taiwan • 🇻🇪 Venezuela • 🇻🇳 Vietnam • 🇿🇦 South Africa