Username: EvG ShibaSenpai
Platform: Xbox
Aircraft Affected: Kfir C.10 / Tejas / Lavi + others using Python-5
Battle Rating: 12.0+
Hey Gaijin,
I want to raise a serious concern about the Python-5 air-to-air missile and its current implementation in top-tier air battles.
While I respect the attempt to bring realism and cutting-edge tech into the game, the Python-5, as it currently stands, is completely overtuned for War Thunder’s gameplay environment.
Major Issues:
-
Off-the-Charts Agility + 360° Lock-On
The missile can lock and hit targets even behind the launch aircraft, giving zero reaction time in many engagements. Combined with helmet-mounted sighting, it becomes a “look and kill” weapon. -
Near-Perfect Flare Resistance
Even with ideal flare timing and maneuvering, the Python-5 almost always stays locked. This negates one of the core dogfight mechanics: counterplay. -
Unmatched by Other Missiles
Nothing else at this BR—AIM-9M, R-73, PL-5, or Magic 2—can really compete with it in both seeker logic and off-boresight performance. This creates an uneven playing field, especially in mixed battles.
Suggestions for Balance:
Adjust flare sensitivity to make it counterable with proper maneuvering.
Limit seeker gimbal angles to be more in line with other IR missiles.
Increase lock-on time or reduce agility slightly to give players a chance to evade.
I’m not asking for Python-5 to be nerfed into the ground—just balanced properly to match War Thunder’s ecosystem. Realism is great, but when it starts to hurt gameplay, we need to find a middle ground.
Would love to hear feedback from devs and other players. Anyone else finding this missile borderline unplayable to fight against?
Thanks,
EvG ShibaSenpai
Here are some facts about this missile.
Python-5 Air-to-Air Missile – Summary & 360-Degree Combat Capability
Overview
The Python-5 is an advanced fifth-generation air-to-air missile developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems of Israel. It’s designed for short-range engagements, with beyond-visual-range (BVR) capabilities in some conditions. It represents a major leap in missile technology with high agility, full-sphere engagement, and imaging infrared (IIR) homing.
Key Features
Feature Details
Type Short to medium-range air-to-air missile
Guidance System Dual: Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker + advanced signal processing
Lock-On Before or after launch (LOAL)
Range Up to ~20 km (short-range class, but extends close to medium)
Speed Supersonic (over Mach 4)
Maneuverability High-g, thrust-vectoring control
Warhead High-explosive fragmentation
Platforms F-15, F-16, F-35, Gripen, Tejas, and more
Counter-Countermeasures Highly resistant to flares and electronic jamming
What Does “360-Degree Engagement” Mean?
The Python-5’s “360-degree” capability refers to:
All-aspect targeting: Can engage targets in any direction—including behind the launching aircraft.
LOAL (Lock-On After Launch): It can be fired without an initial lock and guide toward the target mid-flight using data from onboard sensors or helmet-mounted sights.
Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD) targeting**: The pilot can look at a target (even off-boresight) and fire — the missile will adjust course post-launch.
This makes the Python-5 lethal in dogfights, especially in close-combat, where agility and wide-angle targeting are essential.
Operational Use
Israel (primary user)
India: Integrated into HAL Tejas fighter and SPYDER air defense system
Other operators include Brazil, Peru, Singapore, and more.
TL;DR
The Python-5 is a top-tier fifth-generation short-range air-to-air missile with a 360-degree engagement capability, imaging infrared guidance, and post-launch lock-on, making it a dominant force in close aerial combat.
Here’s how it should work in warthunder working amazingly in DCS which i dont care much for dcs.
They just made it work how it should in warthunder.
