Chile will be the first F-16 customer for which Lockheed Martin has integrated the Rafael Python 4 off-boresight missile, according to Henry Gomez, LM's international vice president of business development for the Americas.

"We have 'helped' integrate it for other customers, but this is the first time we have offered it as part of the aircraft system," he told Show News. The Python 4 system, including helmet mounted sight, is compatible with that on Chile's Israeli-upgraded F-5 Tiger IIIs.

Lockheed Martin has a long-standing marketing partnership with Rafael of Israel on the Python 4, but in this instance the missiles had already been introduced to Chile by Rafael.

This partnership, and the precedent with Chile, mean Lockheed Martin is now offering the F-16 with the Python 4. Integration of the new Rafael Derby short and medium range development of the Python 4 is a logical next step for existing Python users.

Python 4 is claimed to be superior to the current U.S. AIM-9 Sidewinder, while Derby adds much of the capability of the AMRAAM missile which the U.S. has said will not yet be made available to Chile.