DRDO conducts successful Maiden Trial of Python-5 Air-to-Air Missile in Goa

Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully conducted the Maiden trial of 5th Generation Python-5 Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (AAM) in Goa.  The missile would add to the air-to-air combat capability of India’s Indigenous LCA Tejas (Light Combat Aircraft).

• Python-5 Missile is an infra-red guided missile manufactured by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, Israel and has a range of 20 km.
• The test also validated the enhanced capability of Derby Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Medium Range AAM Missile, which has a range of 50 km.
• Both missiles were fired from Tejas aircraft of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).

Key Points

• Python-5 is the 2nd Air-to-Air Missile of Israel origin to be integrated on Tejas fighter, the first one being the Derby Medium-Range Air-to-Air missile.
• Derby is a radar-guide weapon and is manufactured by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, Israel.
• Post successful trials, the live launch of a Python-5 Missile on Banshee (target drone) was carried out.
• Both missiles achieved 100% hits on their targets.
• Prior to the trials, missile carriage flight tests were conducted on Bengaluru to assess the integration of the missile with aircraft systems.

Recent Related News:

i.On January 25-26, 2021, DRDO successfully conducted the maiden launch of Akash-NG (New Generation) Surface to Air Missile (SAM) from Integrated Test Range of Balasore, off the coast of Odisha.

About Rafael Advanced Defence Systems

CEO – Yoav Har-Even
Headquarters – Haifa, Israel

About Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO):

Headquarter– New Delhi
Chairman– Dr G. Satheesh Reddy