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MICA (missile)

From Alfawiki
MICA
Company typeMissile system
IndustryDefense
Founded1982
FounderMatra
ProductsAir-to-air missile, surface-to-air missile
ParentMBDA France

The MICA () represents a French-developed anti-air missile system capable of engaging multiple targets in all weather conditions at short to medium ranges, manufactured by MBDA France. Engineered for deployment on aerial platforms, ground forces, and naval vessels equipped with the rapid-fire MICA Vertical Launch System, it incorporates thrust vector control (TVC) technology. Initiated in 1982 by Matra, the missile entered operational service in 1996 aboard the Dassault Rafale and Dassault Mirage 2000. The MICA superseded both the Super 530 for interception roles and the R.550 Magic II for close combat. Both the MICA-EM and MICA-IR variants function as short- and medium-range Beyond-visual-range missile air-to-air weapons.

On 11 June 2007, a Rafale-launched MICA showcased its over-the-shoulder engagement capability by neutralizing a target positioned behind the aircraft, utilizing targeting information relayed via Link 16 from an external source.

Characteristics

The MICA system is available in two primary versions: MICA RF, which employs an active radar homing seeker, and MICA IR, featuring an imaging infra-red seeker. Both variants are engineered to resist countermeasures such as chaff and decoy flares. The inclusion of a thrust vector control mechanism significantly improves maneuverability. Additionally, MICA supports lock-on after launch (LOAL), allowing engagement beyond the initial seeker acquisition range. When integrated with the Rafale, the MICA IR variant can transmit infrared imagery back to the aircraft’s systems, effectively serving as an auxiliary sensor.

Beyond its air-to-air role, MICA is also configured as a short-range surface-to-air missile. The ground-launched variant, known as VL MICA, is deployed from truck-mounted launch containers, whereas the naval version VL MICA-M is launched via vertical launch systems installed on ships. On 23 October 2008, VL MICA successfully completed its final trial at CELM in Biscarosse by intercepting a low-flying drone at a distance of 12 km using its active radar seeker.

Smaller corvette class vessels that cannot accommodate the larger and more expensive Aster system are ideal platforms for VL MICA-M. This variant offers similar performance to the Aster 15 but without requiring a booster or PIF-PAF vectorial control.

Although VL MICA is advertised with a maximum range of 20 km, aerodynamic efficiency diminishes over extended distances: it maintains 50g maneuverability up to 7 km but decreases to 30g at 12 km due to energy depletion.

Variants

  • MICA RF or EM (électromagnétique)
  • MICA IR
  • VL MICA RF/EM
  • VL MICA IR
  • VL MICA-M RF/EM
  • VL MICA-M IR
  • A3SM: submarine-launched version utilized by French Navy Barracuda-class nuclear attack submarines
  • MICA NG: advanced generation designed to target stealth aircraft with improved infrared matrix sensors and AESA radar seekers, extending range by up to 40% compared to standard models.

Air-to-air missile

Croatian Air Force: Equipped with both radar-guided and infrared MICA missiles integrated on Rafale F3R fighters.[1][2]
Egyptian Air Force: Procured both standard and next-generation variants of MICA EM/IR in 2025. The initial versions are compatible with Mirage 2000-5 and Rafale aircraft; however, the MICA NG is exclusive to Rafale.[3]
French Air and Space Force: Deploys MICA missiles on Mirage 2000-5, Mirage 2000D RMV, and Rafale platforms.[4][5][6]
French Navy: Employs the missile on Rafale M aircraft.[6]
Hellenic Air Force: Operates both EM and IR versions of MICA on Mirage 2000 and Rafale jets.
  • Initial order of 100 missiles placed in 2000, delivered between 2003 and 2004
  • Additional procurement of 100 missiles in 2003
Indian Air Force: Integrated approximately 200 MICA IR and 1000 MICA RF missiles onto upgraded Mirage 2000 and Rafale fighters. Successfully conducted live-fire tests from Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft.[7][8]
Royal Moroccan Air Force: Acquired an initial batch of 150 missiles in 2005.[9]
Qatar Emiri Air Force: Placed an initial order for 100 MICA EM missiles in 1994, followed by orders for an additional 150 each of MICA IR and EM variants in 2015.
Republic of China Air Force: Purchased a total of 960 missiles for use with Mirage 2000-5 fighters. The National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology commenced upgrade programs in 2016.[10]
Announced on 23 October 2024 that France will deliver three Mirage 2000 aircraft by March 2025 outfitted with SCALP-EG and MICA missiles, featuring updated electronic warfare suites and pilot training programs.[11]
United Arab Emirates Air Force: Ordered approximately 500 missiles for their Mirage 2000 fleet in 1998.[12]

Surface-to-air missile

Botswana Ground Force: Operating a single battery of VL MICA on erector launchers, procured in 2016 along with 50 missiles.
French Air and Space Force: Acquired one system specifically for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, with service entry slated for summer 2024; plans include expanding to nine systems by 2030 and twelve by 2035. Launch platforms are mounted on Mercedes-Benz Zetros 6×6 vehicles, integrated with Thales Ground Master 200 radar and a Tactical Operations Center (TOC) on Actros 8×8 trucks.
Royal Moroccan Army: Equipped with four ground-based VL MICA batteries following an order of 200 missiles placed in 2020.
Royal Army of Oman: The initial customer, placing an order for one battery in 2009, delivered in 2012, including 50 missiles.
Saudi Arabia National Guard Air Defence: Commissioned five VL MICA batteries in 2013, acquiring a total of 250 missiles.
Royal Thai Army: Procured one VL MICA battery with an allotment of 50 missiles in 2016.

Naval surface-to-air missile

VL MICA-M systems are installed on four Gowind-class corvettes featuring sixteen vertical launch systems (VLS) and supported by a stock of 75 missiles; additionally deployed on four MEKO-A200-EN frigates equipped with thirty-two VLS each under the MBDA MICA-NG program, accompanied by an order of 200 missiles.
Indonesian Navy: Two vessels outfitted with VL MICA-M systems, backed by a purchase of 40 missiles in 2018.
Royal Moroccan Navy: VL MICA-M integrated into Sigma-class design ships.
Philippine Navy: Deployment of VL MICA on Miguel Malvar-class frigates.
Royal Navy of Oman: VL MICA-M installed on Khareef-class corvettes, ordered in 2008 and delivered between 2013 and 2014, including a total of 60 missiles.
Qatari Emiri Navy: Two Musherib-class vessels equipped with eight VLS cells each; an order for 30 missiles was placed in 2016.
Royal Saudi Navy: Selected VL MICA-M for five Avante-2200 frigates, ordered in 2018 with an allocation of 120 missiles.
Republic of Singapore Navy: Eight Independence-class littoral mission vessels fitted with VL MICA-M systems, supported by a missile order totaling 150 units in 2013.
United Arab Emirates Navy: VL MICA-M deployed on Falaj 2-class patrol vessel, supplied with 20 missiles across two corvettes.

Air-to-air missile

Serbian air force: Ordered twelve Rafale F4 aircraft in 2024, which will be equipped with the MICA NG missile.

Surface-to-air missile

Danish Armed Forces: Placed an order for two fire units of the VL MICA GBAD system in July 2025.

Naval surface-to-air missile

Bulgarian Navy: Approved the integration of VL MICA for two upcoming patrol vessels as of September 2022, with the first ship expected to enter service in 2025.
Royal Malaysian Navy: Chose VL MICA-M to arm future Maharaja Lela-class frigates.
Ukrainian Navy: Plans to install VL MICA on the Ada-class corvette Hetman Ivan Mazepa. In October 2024, France confirmed delivery of three Mirage 2000 jets by March 2025, capable of deploying SCALP-EG and MICA missiles along with upgraded electronic warfare suites and pilot training programs.

Surface-to-Air Missile

Template:Country data Armenia
Armenian Armed Forces – The French Defense Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, suggested a potential acquisition during his visit in February 2024.

Naval Underwater-to-Air Missile

French Navy: currently operational on SNLE 3G and/or .
Indian Navy: deployed on Kalvari-class vessels.
Royal Netherlands Navy: integrated on .

See also

External links

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