The Singapore Air Force has publicly confirmed that its modernised F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters are armed with fourth-generation Python 5 missiles with a range of 20km

The Singapore Air Force celebrated its 55th anniversary. The service publicly displayed F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets with Israeli Python 5 missiles in honour of the celebration.

Here's What We Know

The Republic of Singapore Air Force has never disclosed the number of U.S. fighter jets in service. It is generally believed that the country has 20 F-16C and 40 F-16D Block 52/52+ aircraft. The fighters are now undergoing the MLU (Mid-Life Upgrade) programme, which will extend their service lives into the 2030s.

The service displayed the US aircraft at Paya Lebar Air Base (Paya Lebar). The Singapore Air Force has decided to hold an Open House to celebrate its 55th anniversary. The base will be available for visits on the 9th and 10th of September 2023.

The Python 5 is Israel's fourth generation air-to-air missile. It is capable of destroying airborne threats within a radius of 20 kilometres. Its range has been increased by a third (+5 km) compared to the Python 4.

The missile is 3.1 metres long and has a diameter of 0.16 metres. The mass is 105kg and the warhead itself weighs 11km. In flight, the Python 5 can reach a speed of almost 1.4 km/s (M=4).

Source: Janes