Derby BVR air-to-air missile

Also known as

Derby BVR AAM
Derby BVR
I-Derby

Derby BVR air-to-air missile is Rafael's active-radar beyond-visual-range missile family for fighter aircraft and related air-defense launchers. PIB said Tejas trials in 2021 also validated the already integrated Derby BVR AAM on the aircraft.

Derby BVR air-to-air missile, Beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, Munitions

Image source: Wikimedia Commons Rafael I-Derby Missiles file

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin: Israel
Built by: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems
Type: Beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile
Service note: 1990s-present
Designed: Late 1980s
Produced: 1998-present

air-to-air guided missile interceptor radar-guided

Specifications

Guidance: Active radar homing
Range class: Beyond visual range
Launch role: Fighter-aircraft and air-defense interceptor
Compatibility: Tejas and other fighter aircraft; SPYDER air-defense systems for I-DERBY ER

Variants

I-Derby ER

Launch Platforms

Tejas validation trials confirmed the already integrated Derby BVR AAM on the aircraft.

Launcher

Launcher type

Launch evidence

HAL Tejas, Single-engine multirole light combat aircraft, Aircraft & UAVs

Light combat aircraft

PIB said Python-5 trials on Tejas also validated the already integrated Derby Beyond Visual Range (BVR) AAM on Tejas.

Sources: DRDO conducts maiden trial of Python-5 Air to Air Missile

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: Rafael presents Derby in air-to-air and air-defense roles, and PIB said Tejas trials in 2021 validated the already integrated Derby BVR AAM on the aircraft.

Media

Derby BVR air-to-air missile Images

Derby BVR air-to-air missile, Beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, Munitions - view 1 — Source: Wikimedia Commons Rafael I-Derby Missiles file

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Sources

Rafael air-to-air missiles pagePublisher: Rafael | Note: Supports Derby family background as part of Rafael's air-to-air missile portfolio and its fighter-aircraft context. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Rafael I-DERBY ER pagePublisher: Rafael | Note: Supports the family's air-to-air role, short/medium/long-range capability, and compatibility with fighter aircraft and SPYDER air-defense systems. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Rafael Derby history pagePublisher: Rafael | Note: Supports Derby's late-1980s origin as a radar-guided BVR missile and its development history. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Rafael ESG report 2022-2023Publisher: Rafael | Note: Supports Rafael's statement that Derby has been sold worldwide since 1998. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 DRDO conducts maiden trial of Python-5 Air to Air MissilePublisher: Press Information Bureau, Government of India | Note: Supports Tejas validation of the already integrated Derby Beyond Visual Range (BVR) AAM during the April 2021 Python-5 trials. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Wikimedia Commons Rafael I-Derby Missiles filePublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Open-license provenance page for the I-Derby missile image. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Wikimedia Commons Derby missile filePublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Open-license provenance page for the Derby missile image. | Accessed: 2026-06-27