(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — In June last year, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) officially confirmed the integration of the Python-5 air-to-air guided missile as part of its Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) program for Lockheed Martin F-16 C/D/D+ fighter aircraft.
Developed by the Israeli defense company Rafael Advanced Defense System, the fifth-generation short-range air-to-air Python-5 missile is recognized for its capabilities and is considered the most advanced in use by the Israeli Air Force, boasting speeds of up to Mach 4 and a range of 20km.
The Israeli Air Force is reportedly planning to equip its fifth-generation F-35 “Adir” fighter aircraft with the Python-5 guided missile.
The initial development of the Python-5 air-to-air guided missile began around the 1990s, and it was officially unveiled to the public during the 2003 Paris Air Show.
Throughout its developmental and operational phases, the Python-5 demonstrated excellent target detection and tracking capabilities.
The Python-5 guided missile inherits the aerodynamic airframe design of its predecessor, the Python-4, and retains the inertial navigation system (INS), rocket motor, explosive, and proximity fuse from earlier Python variants.
It is a dual-use missile designed for both air-to-air and ground-to-air applications, incorporating an imaging seeker, modern software, advanced infrared counter-countermeasure (IRCCM), and flight control systems.
The total weight of the Python-5 missile is 105kg, with a payload capacity of 11kg of high-explosive fragmentation material equipped with an active laser proximity fuse.
Alongside the Derby guided missile, the Python is also employed in the “Spyder” air defense system.
In addition to the RSAF, the Python-5 air-to-air missile is utilized by the Indian Air Force, Georgian Air Force, and Peruvian Air Force.
Lockheed Martin and ST Engineering Aerospace are jointly responsible for the upgrade program of the RSAF’s F-16C/D/D+ aircraft.
The RSAF currently possesses 62 F-16C/D Block 52 fighter aircraft, with 14 stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, USA, and 48 deployed within the country.
The placement of some aircraft in the United States is for training purposes.
The United States supplied Singapore with the 62 F-16 aircraft between 1998 and 2003.
The estimated US$2.4 billion (RM10.8 billion) mid-life upgrade project for Singapore’s F-16 aircraft includes the installation of the Northrop Grumman-developed AESA AN/APG-83 SABR (Scalable Agile Beam Radar).
Apart from the new radar system, the upgraded F-16C/D Block 52 aircraft will also receive new components, such as mission computers, Joint Helmet Mounted-Cueing System (JHMCS) for integration with AIM-9X air-to-air missiles, and GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guided bombs.
The upgraded F-16s will also have the capability to carry and launch GBU-49/50 Enhanced Paveway II Dual-Mode Guided Bombs and CBU-105 Sensor-Fuzed Weapons.
Additionally, it is mentioned that the Singaporean F-16s will incorporate an Electronic Warfare Suite manufactured in Israel, although there is no official confirmation from Singapore regarding this matter. — DSA
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