Derby Confirmed in Colombian Service

摘要

On a recent training operation undertaken by the Fuerza Aerea Colombiana (Colombian Air Force) its IAI Kfir ClOs were noted carrying Rafael Derby missiles. This is the first time that the beyond-visual-range (BVR) weapon has been confirmed in Colombian service after an unknown quantity was purchased together with the new batch of Kfirs. Derby is an important boost to the capabilities of the Kfir, which was previously only equipped with the Python III short-range air-to-air missile. It is the first BVR air-to-air missiles in use with the service. In Latin America the missile is also used by the Forca Aerea Brasileira (Brazilian Air Force), which purchased 38 examples in 2006 for use with its upgraded F-5EM Tiger II fleet, and by the Fuerza Aerea de Chile (Chilean Air Force), which purchased 84 in 2002 to arm its F-5Es and F-16s.