DRDO trials Python-5 air-to-air missile for Tejas
Tejas, India's indigenous Light Combat Aircraft, added the 5th generation Python-5 Air-to-Air Missile (AAM). (Photo: PIB Delhi)
DRDO has successfully trialled the Python-5 missile and the Derby beyond visual range air-to-air missile for the Tejas light combat aircraft.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has conducted a trial of the 5th generation Python-5 air-to-air missile (AAM) for the Tejas, India’s indigenous light combat aircraft.
The trials aimed to test the Python-5’s air-to-air weapons capability and the capability of the already integrated Derby Beyond Visual Range (BVR) AAM.
Derby achieved direct hits on a high-speed manoeuvring aerial target. Python-5 also achieved 100% hits, meeting all the planned objectives of the trials.
Python-5 missile live firing was conducted to validate target engagement from all aspects as well as beyond visual ranges, in all live firings the missile hit the aerial target.
The missiles were all fired from Tejas aircraft of the Aeronautical Development Agency flown by Indian Air Force test pilots.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the Tejas LCA features an AESA radar, a unified EW suite, an onboard oxygen generation system, smart MFDs and a HUD.
The Python-5 provides a combination of lock-on after launch and acquisition and tracking capabilities. The missile is fitted with an 11kg warhead, an IR guidance system and EO imaging.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![New US Army UH-60M Black Hawk order bridges uncertain path to MV-75 transition]()
New US Army UH-60M Black Hawk order bridges uncertain path to MV-75 transition
The US$234 million award for 16 Sikorsky UH-60Ms preserves near-term production, but funding uncertainty and an undefinitised contract leave the US Army’s long-term Black Hawk requirements unresolved.
-
![V-22 Osprey safety upgrade moves towards wider fleet installation under $35.5 million deal]()
V-22 Osprey safety upgrade moves towards wider fleet installation under $35.5 million deal
Bell Boeing will supply 73 additional ODSSHI kits as NAVAIR prepares to introduce predictive drive-system monitoring across US and Japanese V-22 fleets.
-
![AFA 2026: US Air Force examines uncrewed cargo aircraft for contested logistics]()
AFA 2026: US Air Force examines uncrewed cargo aircraft for contested logistics
The US Air Force is evaluating demonstrators for uncrewed cargo missions as it considers logistics requirements across the Pacific and other contested environments.
-
![Europe risks losing control of CUAS production capacity as manufacturers look abroad]()
Europe risks losing control of CUAS production capacity as manufacturers look abroad
European counter-drone developers are securing early orders in the Middle East while slow domestic acquisition processes threaten to redirect production capacity, expertise and investment away from Europe.
