As MICA missile evolves with NG variant, India has a chance to supercharge Rafale firepower
A few days ago, the French Directorate General of Armament (DGA) carried out the first development firing of the new-generation MICA NG (Missile d’Interception, de Combat et d’Auto-défense, Nouvelle Generation) from a Rafale aircraft, signalling an upgrade in the capabilities of the air-to-air missile, developed by European defence manufacturer MBDA.
According to DGA, the missile, tested in its infrared variant over the Mediterranean Sea test range, achieved the desired objectives, paving the way for the integration MICA NG aboard the Rafale aircraft. The DGA said the test confirmed "the full implementation chain and its performance."
The MICA NG will be developed in two versions with two different guidance systems: infrared and electromagnetic homing. The trial validated MICA NG's infrared homing guidance. The full operational capabilities of the missile, including electromagnetic versions and supersonic launches at different altitudes, will be tested through trials in the future.
According to MBDA, the new variant offers unparalleled medium-range ground-based air defence capability with the highest level of mobility and deployment flexibility.
The on-board technologies of this new-generation, upgraded weapon system will enable forces to face future threats that are more stealthy, more efficient and faster, and thus maintain operational superiority in contested airspace.
Compared to the previous generation vertical launch (VL) MICA, the latest version is equipped with a bi-pulse motor that doubles the interception range, offering very high single-shot kill probability and simultaneous multiple-shot capability. The company said the new variant is low maintenance and will have a very long service life.
Why the trial is important for India?
The upgrade and successful trials of MICA NG, which is designed to counter and intercept various airborne projectiles, including high-speed targets and stealthy drones and missiles, assumes significance for India which has integrated MICA missiles, acquired from France, onto its Rafale and Mirage 2000 combat aircraft.
Capable of outperforming BVR missiles because of the infrared homing capabilities, MICA provides the fighter jets a unique tactical flexibility to engage any type of target. India is reported to have used the MICA multi-mission air-to-air missile during its recent military offensive against Pakistan, Operation Sindoor.
India has 36 Rafale fighter jets in the service. The country also signed a Rs 63,000 crore deal with France in April for 26 Rafale-Marine jets, which includes technology transfer. The deal also covers pilot training, flight simulators, weapons, essential equipment, and long-term maintenance support. India could be looking at an added advantage to its air superiority if it decides to procure and equip its Rafale fighters with the latest variant of the MICA missiles, which come with greater range and higher maneuverability.
MICA shoot down balloons
Meanwhile, French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that Rafale and Mirage 2000 aircraft successfully conducted the first MICA missile firings at stratospheric balloons operating at very high altitudes.
Calling the test-firing "a milestone", the defence minister in a tweet, said, "Test firings pushing the technological constraints on the aircraft, its pilot, and its weaponry beyond 20 kilometers in altitude."
The development comes amid the increased use of balloons for spying, especially by China. In 2023, the US shot down a Chinese balloon that was capable of capturing imagery and collecting signals from US military bases. There have also been reports of Chinese spy balloons targetting India.
The capability demonstration of Mirage 2000 and Rafale fighter jets to intercept and shoot down stratospheric balloons at very high altitudes, using MICA, is important for India as well, which has also been a victim of balloon surveillance.
The Indian Air Force reportedly did something similar in 2024. According to news agency ANI, the IAF held such a demonstration along the country's eastern front. The balloon shot down by the IAF in the trial, at an altitude of 55,000 feet, was comparatively smaller than the spy balloon shot down by the US.
The demonstration carried out by French Rafale and Mirage 2000 aircraft at a higher altitude of over 65,000 feet, marks a major advancement in high-altitude interception capability of the missile—something India can benefit from as well.
Defence