After years of speculation regarding Singapore’s acquisition of the Israeli-developed Python-5 air-to-air missile, a recent photograph has definitively shown this sophisticated weapon mounted on a Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) F-16D+ fighter jet in flight. The image, taken by aviation photographer Terrence and posted on his Instagram account teraviation, depicts the RSAF F-16D+ equipped with the Python-5 missile.

The caption accompanying the photograph indicates that the aircraft was also armed with two AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles. At the time of the image capture, the jet was reportedly on a patrol mission. In 2023, the RSAF publicly announced the enhancement of its F-16C/D/D+ fleet, which now includes the capability to deploy Python-5 missiles.

As reported by Channel News Asia, the Python-5 is considered one of the most advanced air-to-air missiles globally. An information display at Paya Lebar Air Base during an RSAF open house event further validated that the upgraded F-16s can now launch the Python-5 missile, which is produced by the Israeli defense company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. The manufacturer states that the missile has an effective range of up to 20 kilometers.

Singapore’s integration of the Python-5 missile into its F-16 fleet is a strategic move that complements its overall defense framework. The Republic’s air defense capabilities are further enhanced by the Spyder surface-to-air missile system, which employs both Python-5 and Derby missiles.

In 2016, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) launched a Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) initiative for 20 of its 62 F-16 fighter jets, aiming to extend their operational lifespan beyond 2030. Recently, Singapore revealed a new modernization initiative for its F-16 fleet, awarding an $8.7 million (RM39 million) contract to Lockheed Martin for additional enhancements.

These upgrades will take place in Fort Worth, Texas, with an expected completion date of September 31, 2027.

The comprehensive F-16 upgrade program, estimated at around $2.4 billion (RM10.8 billion), includes the installation of Northrop Grumman’s AN/APG-83 SABR (Scalable Agile Beam Radar) active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. The Python-5 missile, initially developed in the 1990s and publicly introduced at the Paris Air Show in 2003, serves a dual purpose, capable of both air-to-air and surface-to-air operations. This advanced weapon is equipped with a cutting-edge imaging seeker, modern software, infrared counter-countermeasure (IRCCM) features, and a sophisticated flight control system.

The Python-5 has a total weight of 105 kg and is armed with an 11 kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead that features an active laser proximity fuse.

The Royal Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is enhancing its F-16 fleet through a partnership with Lockheed Martin and ST Engineering Aerospace of Singapore. The RSAF currently operates 62 F-16C/D Block 52 fighter jets, with 14 located at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, while the other 48 are deployed at various airbases in Singapore.