Singapore’s F-16D+ Fighter Jet Spotted Carrying Python-5 Air-to-Air Missile for the First Time
The image, captured by aviation photographer known as Terrence and shared on his Instagram account teraviation, shows the RSAF F-16D+ carrying the Python-5 missile.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – After years of speculation about Singapore’s use of the Israeli-made Python-5 air-to-air missile, a photograph has finally confirmed the presence of this advanced weapon on a Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) F-16D+ fighter jet in flight.
The image, captured by aviation photographer known as Terrence and shared on his Instagram account teraviation, shows the RSAF F-16D+ carrying the Python-5 missile.
According to the photograph’s caption, the aircraft was also armed with two AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles.
The jet was reportedly conducting a patrol mission at the time.
In 2023, the RSAF publicly revealed its upgraded fleet of F-16C/D/D+ fighter jets, which are now equipped with the capability to deploy Python-5 missiles.
According to a report by Channel News Asia, the Python-5 is regarded as one of the most advanced air-to-air missiles in the world.
An information board displayed at Paya Lebar Air Base during an RSAF open house event further confirmed that the upgraded F-16s are now capable of launching the Python-5 missile, which is developed by Israeli defense firm Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
According to the manufacturer, the missile has an effective range of up to 20 kilometers.
Singapore’s adoption of the Python-5 for its F-16 fleet aligns with its broader defense strategy, as the Republic’s air defense system also operates the Spyder surface-to-air missile system, which utilizes both the Python-5 and Derby missiles.
The RSAF initiated a Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) program for 20 of its 62 F-16 fighter jets in 2016, with plans to keep them operational beyond 2030.
Recently, Singapore announced a new modernization package for its F-16 fleet, awarding an $8.7 million (RM39 million) contract to Lockheed Martin for further upgrades.
These latest enhancements will be carried out in Fort Worth, Texas, and are expected to be completed by September 31, 2027.
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The broader F-16 upgrade program, valued at approximately $2.4 billion (RM10.8 billion), includes equipping the aircraft with Northrop Grumman’s AN/APG-83 SABR (Scalable Agile Beam Radar) active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.
The Python-5 missile was first developed in the 1990s and was officially unveiled at the Paris Air Show in 2003.
It is a dual-role missile capable of both air-to-air and surface-to-air engagements.
The weapon features an advanced imaging seeker, modern software, infrared counter-countermeasure (IRCCM) capabilities, and a sophisticated flight control system.
With a total weight of 105 kg, the Python-5 carries an 11 kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead equipped with an active laser proximity fuse.
The RSAF’s F-16 upgrade program is being carried out in collaboration with Lockheed Martin and Singapore’s ST Engineering Aerospace.
The RSAF operates 62 F-16C/D Block 52 fighter jets, with 14 based at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, United States, while the remaining 48 are stationed at airbases in Singapore.