Rafale fires MICA NG missile: All about the next-generation weapon built to target stealth aircraft, drones and cruise missiles

France on Friday (local time) successfully carried out the second development firing of the MICA NG (Missile d’Interception, de Combat et d’Auto-défense Nouvelle Génération) air-to-air missile from a Rafale fighter jet. The test marked the first time the next-generation missile was evaluated in a supersonic flight configuration.

Conducted at the Mediterranean test range of the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA), the trial represents a significant milestone in the qualification process of the MICA NG and its future integration with the Rafale combat aircraft.

The successful firing comes as India moves ahead with plans to significantly expand its Rafale fleet. The Indian government has reportedly sent a Letter of Request (LoR) to France for a government-to-government deal valued at around Rs 3.25 lakh crore for the acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force. Under the proposal, 94 aircraft would be manufactured in India by Dassault Aviation in collaboration with an Indian partner.

MICA NG missile: Key specifications

Developed by MBDA, the MICA NG is the latest evolution of the MICA air-to-air missile family.

Specifications

• Weight: 112 kg
• Length: 3.1 metres
• Diameter: 160 mm

Key features of MICA NG

• Up to 40% greater range compared to the current MICA missile
• High manoeuvrability enabled by a dual-pulse rocket motor
• Full interoperability with existing MICA missiles
• Can be launched from both air and surface platforms
• Infrared (IR) seeker that provides IRST (Infrared Search and Track) capability to pilots
• Designed for both Beyond Visual Range (BVR) and Short Range (SR) combat missions
• Multi-target engagement and multi-shot capability
• Compatible with multi-role fighter aircraft such as the Rafale

Advanced guidance systems

According to MBDA, the MICA NG is equipped with two interchangeable seeker options, allowing pilots to select the most effective engagement mode depending on the mission:

• Active RF AESA seeker: Offers all-weather shoot-up/shoot-down capability and improved target tracking.
• Passive Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker: Provides a stealthier interception option by operating without emitting radar signals.

Built to counter modern aerial threats

The MICA NG has been developed to tackle emerging airborne threats, including stealth aircraft, drones, cruise missiles and highly manoeuvrable targets. Its upgraded sensors, longer range and enhanced processing capabilities are designed to improve combat effectiveness in both close-range dogfights and long-distance engagements. MBDA says the IR-guided version of the missile can perform “stealthy interceptions” thanks to its silent infrared seeker. In short-range combat, the missile supports both Lock-On-Before-Launch (LOBL) and Lock-On-After-Launch (LOAL) modes, allowing engagements across a 360-degree launch envelope and giving Rafale pilots greater tactical flexibility in complex air combat scenarios.