Documents
Israel Legacy Rafael Advanced Defense Systems
Python 4
The fourth-generation Israeli short-range air-to-air missile in the Python family, introducing a high-off-boresight imaging infrared seeker that predates Python 5 and remains in service with a number of export operators.
In service since 1994 · 10 operator countries
Compiled from public sources ·primary reference ↗ ·last verified 2026-07-02
15
km range
3.5
Mach
11
kg warhead
Pricing: Unit cost not publicly disclosed
Procurement snapshot
Availability & export
Israeli export-licensed
Israeli MoD (DECA/SIBAT) licensing; active export programme.
Channel: Direct commercial / G2G
Fielded & proven
Established · 10 operators
In service since 1994. Status: legacy.
Lifecycle cost (est.)
No public unit price to model from. Why so few systems publish one →
Interoperability
No standardised NATO calibre / datalink detected in public specs.
Derived guidance from public data, export regime by country of origin, lifecycle from the GAO ~30% acquisition rule. Verify eligibility, pricing and offsets with the manufacturer and your acquisition authority.
Full specifications
Performance
Speed, range, altitude and engagement capability.
| Max speed (Mach) Maximum speed as a multiple of the speed of sound. Mach 2+ is typical for air-superiority fighters. | 3.5 Mach |
|---|---|
| Range Maximum distance: ferry range for aircraft, operational range for vehicles, maximum engagement distance for missiles. Higher means more standoff or persistence. | 15 km |
Firepower
Armament, payload and guidance.
| Warhead Warhead mass. Heavier generally means larger effect radius, at the cost of range. | 11 kg |
|---|---|
| Warhead type Blast-fragmentation, shaped charge (HEAT), penetrator, thermobaric or nuclear-capable. | Blast-fragmentation, active laser proximity fuze |
| Guidance How the weapon finds its target: inertial, GPS/GLONASS, active/semi-active radar, infrared, laser, TV, wire. | Imaging infrared homing, High off-boresight lock-on |
Physical
Dimensions, weight and crew.
| Length Overall length including gun/probe where applicable. | 3.1 m |
|---|---|
| Combat weight Fully loaded weight. Lighter eases transport and bridging limits; heavier often means more armor. | 105 kg |
Propulsion
Engine, power and fuel.
| Propulsion type Turbofan, turboshaft, diesel, gas turbine, solid-fuel rocket, ramjet… | Solid-fuel rocket |
|---|
Program
Cost, production scale and operators.
| Operator countries Number of countries operating the system. More operators means broader support ecosystem. | 10 |
|---|
Specifications compiled from public Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and reference sources ↗. Published defense figures are approximations, treat comparisons as directional. Last verified 2026-07-02.
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Boeing AGM-86 ALCM Frequently asked questions
What is the range of the Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Python 4? +
The Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Python 4 has a maximum range of 15 km.
How much does the Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Python 4 weigh? +
The Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Python 4 has a combat weight of 105 kg.
What is the Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Python 4 used for? +
The Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Python 4 is a missile typically used for air superiority.
How many countries operate the Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Python 4? +
The Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Python 4 is operated by 10 countries.
How much does the Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Python 4 cost? +
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Python 4: Unit cost not publicly disclosed. Defense program costs are rarely fully public and vary by contract and configuration.
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