The Python-5 is currently the most capable visual range air-to-air missile in Israel's inventory. As a short range air-to-air missiles, it is capable of “lock-on after launch” (LOAL), and has full-sphere/all-direction (including rearward) attack ability.

The missile features an advanced seeker which includes an electro-optical and imaging infrared homing seeker which scans the target area for hostile aircraft, then locks-on for terminal chase, and a complex design utilizing a total of eighteen aerodynamic surfaces. The Python-5 was first used in combat during the 2006 Lebanon War, when it was used by F-16 Fighting Falcons to destroy two Iranian-made Ababil UAVs used by the Hezbollah. On 13 May 2021, an Israeli F-16 shot down a Hamas operated Shahed suicide drone with a Python-5 air-to-air missile.