For the first time, a Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) F-16D+ was spotted armed with Rafael’s Python-5 air-to-air missiles, confirming long-standing speculation about the integration of the advanced Israeli-made weapon into Singapore’s fleet.
The rare sighting occurred on January 20, when an F-16D+ from the RSAF’s 145th Squadron, known as the “Horns,” was photographed during a sortie from Tengah Air Base.
The photo, taken by local aviation photographer Terrence Chan, first appeared on Instagram and was then shared on X by journalist Roy Choo. The photograph showed the F-16D+ armed with a pair of Python-5s mounted on stations 2 and 8 of the aircraft.
The air-to-air missile, produced by Israeli defense contractor Rafael, had long been speculated to be in the RSAF’s arsenal, but official acknowledgment by the Singaporean Ministry of Defense was only made in 2023. However, this new image marks the first time the RSAF F-16D+ aircraft has been seen carrying this missile.
In a statement accompanying the photos, Choo expressed excitement over the sighting, stating, “Almost like a dream come true seeing pictures of Python 5 AAMs hanging off a Singapore F-16D+ in recent days.”
He added, “Since the early 2000s, the RSAF was rumored to have taken delivery of the earlier but identical Python 4 missiles for its F-16s, F-5s (and possibly A-4s).”
The F-16D+ in question, serial number 661, is one of the RSAF’s advanced Block 52 jets, which are equipped with conformal fuel tanks (CFTs) and are highly similar to the Israeli Air Force’s customized F-16D Block 52 variant, the F-16I Sufa.
These advanced aircraft are part of a fleet of 62 RSAF F-16s, including both F-16C and F-16D models, all of which are stationed at Tengah Air Base.
In addition to the Python-5s, the aircraft in the image was spotted carrying a pair of American-made AIM-120C/D AMRAAMs on stations 1 and 9.
Additionally, the F-16D+ was equipped with 370-gallon drop tanks on stations 4 and 6 to extend its operational range.
Notably, the aircraft did not feature a targeting pod on the chin station, a location commonly used for either the AN/AAQ-33 Sniper ATP or AN/AAQ-28 LITENING pods.
Singapore F-16 Armed With Israeli Missiles
The image of a Singaporean F-16D+ armed with the Python-5 air-to-air missile has drawn attention, though the sighting isn’t entirely surprising. The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has been known to possess the Python-4 missile for over two decades, despite rarely confirming its operational use.
In 2023, Australia-based defense journalist Mike Yeo highlighted that while the RSAF began equipping its modern F-16s with Python-4 missiles over 20 years ago, the missiles were never seen in operational deployments outside of training exercises.
According to Yeo, these missiles were often disguised as older US-made AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles, with modifications that made them look similar to the less capable, previous-generation weapon.
The altered Python-4s featured cruciform-style cropped forward fins, a design characteristic of the AIM-9P, and training versions carried a blue band to indicate they were inert. In contrast, live Python-4s boasted distinct twin forward control fins, absent in the training variants.
Developed by Rafael, the Python series of infrared-guided missiles evolved from the Israeli Air Force’s (IAF) experiences in air combat during the 1960s and 1970s.
The Python-4, known for its high maneuverability, can handle up to 70g forces and boasts a 60-degree high off-boresight (HOBS) capability in close combat scenarios.
Its ability to perform a 180-degree turn after launch makes it particularly effective in intercepting targets behind the launch aircraft. The missile also features an advanced infrared counter-countermeasures (IRCCM) system and a dual-waveband infrared seeker for enhanced target discrimination.
While the Python-4 remains a formidable weapon, the Python-5 represents the next evolution. The Python-5 can engage low-signature targets, such as drones and cruise missiles, and offers improved capabilities in both air-to-air and surface-to-air missions.
The Python-5 made its combat debut in the 2006 Lebanon War, where it successfully shot down two Iranian-made Ababil UAVs operated by Hezbollah.
The missile is externally similar to the Python-4 but incorporates major upgrades, including a more sophisticated seeker system with electro-optical and infrared imaging capabilities. This allows precise targeting and terminal pursuit of hostile aircraft.
The Python-5’s versatility extends to its ability to integrate with various modern aircraft, including the F-35. It features 18 aerodynamic surfaces for improved performance and offers both lock-on-before-launch (LOBL) and lock-on-after-launch (LOAL) modes.
These features increase the missile’s ability to engage evasive targets, even in complex electronic warfare environments. The Python-5’s advanced flight control technologies and fifth-generation imaging seeker also make it a highly effective weapon in modern aerial combat.
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