Israel began developing a class sidewinder missile in the early ’60s, when arms embargoes have forced the country to create its own arms industry of high technology. The first air-air missile was Shafrir that in many respects was better than the original American, having collected more than 200 withdrawals over ten years in the service of Israeli Air Force. In 1982, when the IDF went into action in Lebanon, put in use the first examples of a new air-to-air missile named Python 3, which was nothing more than an evolution of Shafrir. It is characterized by a slightly increased with cell stabilizers enflechados tail, but with guidance and propulsion systems similar. Inside Python 3 features a new type of IR sensor with a viewing angle of about 30 °, which can be used in pre-programmed modes, free and radar assisted in distinguishing the target of countermeasures elusive enemy as fires, Bengal, and allows all attacks aspect. At speeds of Mach 4, a range between 5 and 15 km, Python can perform maneuvers up to 40 grams, making it an extremely maneuverable and lethal weapon. His debut match was a great success, being responsible for destroying 50 Syrian fighters in Lebanese skies, becoming the standard missile-FAI, equipping the F-4, F-15, F-16 Kfir and Mirage III . Made by Rafael, was exported to Colombia, South Africa, Thailand and Brazil. In the 90s came the Python 4, which have smaller stabilizers, eletônica digital bicolor all aspect IR sensor designed to be used in conjunction with the helmet-mounted displays, a more powerful engine that produces no smoke and a detonator associated with laser-active a directional warhead. This year it was announced the launch of the latest version: Python 5. BVR-type “fire and forget”, the new sensor incorporates dual-band, with advanced software that allows the pilot to make the acquisition of small targets with stealth features, even through clouds and bad weather conditions. The missile also features sophisticated inertial navigation systems and infrared countermeasures, which further enhances its already fantastic fatality rate.