Wreckages of the Israeli Python-5 and I-Derby-ER anti-air missiles in India have appeared on social media, which are used by Indian fighters and air defence systems.

Two images from the wreckage clearly point out Israeli Phyton-5 and I-Derby missiles, easily identifiable from the fins. Python-5 is characterised by a double fin set at the front, while I-Derby-ER has only one set at the front.

It is not known if these missiles were fired by aircraft or the specially designed SPYDER air defence systems, as the missiles are in service with the Indian Air Force in both ways.

The clashes between Pakistan and India have quickly become a scene for the use of late-generation anti-air missiles. Before the spotting of Israeli missiles, Pakistani fighters shot down an Indian Air Force Rafale fighter with the Chinese PL-15E BVRAAM, notable for its dual-pulse rocket motor.

Pyhton-5 and I-Derby in Indian Service

Python-5 is a within-visual-range air-to-air missile (WVRAAM) developed by Israel for fighter aircraft, with the SPYDER short/medium-range air defence system being capable of using it. The missile, with a range of 20 km when launched from aircraft, incorporates an IIR seeker.

I-Derby-ER is an upgrade of the Derby based on Python-4 WVRAAM as a beyond-visual-range solution with an active radar seeker. The dual-pulse rocket motor provides a range of 100 km when launched from aircraft, longer than the baseline Derby’s 50 km.

In addition to aircraft, both missiles can be launched by the SPYDER air defence system, specially developed to fire them. Each launcher carries up to four missiles with the option of extended-range variants fitted with boosters.

India’s Tejas fighters can use both missiles as well as a significant number of SPYDER air defence systems previously acquired.

Author: Kaan Azman

Editor: Özgür Ekşi