MICA

MICA is a French short-to-medium-range air-to-air missile family with radar and infrared seeker versions, made by [MBDA France] for beyond-visual-range interception and close combat(https://www.mbda-systems.com/products/air-dominance/mica-family/mica).

Overview

MICA, short for Missile d'Interception, de Combat et d'Autodéfense, combines interception and self-defense roles in one missile family. MBDA identifies Rafale and the latest Mirage 2000-5 versions as its air-launch platforms. The manufacturer describes both beyond-visual-range and short-range engagement capabilities, and other sources describe the missile as fire-and-forget.

The family offers two seeker choices: active radar, commonly designated RF or EM, and passive imaging infrared, designated IR. These provide different means of detecting a target. The surface-launched VL MICA derivative extends the family to ground and naval air defense, according to the compiled system history.

France and several export customers field air-launched MICA. Ukraine joined that operator base after receiving Mirage 2000 fighters; a French ministry communique reported in September 2026 confirmed provision of new MICA missiles and 30 mm ammunition for them. Militarnyi connects these deliveries to Ukraine's fighter-based air defense.

MICA NG is the successor under development. MBDA advertises new seekers and a dual-pulse motor while retaining the baseline missile's 112 kg mass. Its published performance claims and development firings should be distinguished from the operational record of existing MICA variants.

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