India’s indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas, has recently made headlines after successfully carrying out a series of tests to validate its ability to fire the Python-5 Air-to-Air Missile (AAM). This missile, of Israeli origin, enhances the aircraft’s combat capabilities. A parallel set of tests were conducted to assess the enhanced capabilities of the already incorporated Israeli-origin Derby beyond visual range AAM on Tejas. These trials were orchestrated by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Features of the Python-5 Missile
The Python-5 missile, developed by Israeli defence company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, is the latest member of the Python series. This fifth-generation air-to-air missile offers the pilot an unprecedented full-sphere launch capability, allowing for enemy engagement from very short to beyond-visual ranges. Its effectiveness is not impeded by evasive maneuvers or countermeasure deployment from the target.
It is a dual-purpose missile designed for air-to-air and surface-to-air missions and is powered by a solid propellant rocket engine. The propulsion system gives it a speed of Mach 4 and an operational range exceeding 20 km. Additionally, the missile is equipped with lock-on-before-launch (LOBL) and lock-on-after-launch (LOAL) capabilities.
Overview of Light Combat Aircraft Tejas
Tejas is a single-engine, lightweight, multirole supersonic fighter known for its agility. This aircraft is a product of Indian ingenuity, being manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) specifically for the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy. It is designed to support a variety of weapons, including air-to-air, air-to-surface, and precision-guided instruments.
Understanding Beyond Visual Range AAM
A Beyond-Visual-Range Missile (BVR) is an air-to-air missile that can engage targets at ranges of 37 km or more. This impressive range is achieved using dual pulse rocket motors, booster rocket motors, and ramjet sustainer motors. Apart from its range, the missile can also track its target over these distances or acquire the target in-flight.
BVRAAM technology allows fighter pilots to accurately strike enemy targets beyond their visual range. The Astra missile, for instance, works on BVRAAM. This recent integration and successful testing of the Python-5 missile onboard Tejas signifies a crucial enhancement in India’s defence capabilities.