As part of testing aimed at its entry into service before 2030, a Rafale fighter jet conducted the first test launch of the new MICA NG air-to-air missile. The test, carried out by France’s Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) on June 19, was supported by various agencies, MBDA as the manufacturer, and the French Air and Space Force, operator of the combat aircraft.
The “NG” stands for the latest version of the MICA missile, developed jointly by MBDA and the DGA, and designed to equip air, land, and naval platforms. Through the integration of new technologies—most notably a new dual-pulse rocket motor—the MICA NG delivers improved performance and capabilities compared to previous variants.
According to official details provided by MBDA, the NG version doubles the interception range, offering “…a very high single-shot kill probability and simultaneous multiple-shot capability: autonomous guidance and an extremely high firing rate.”
Furthermore, with its planned adoption before 2030, the air-to-air missile is being developed in two versions, each with a different guidance system: one with an infrared seeker and the other with an electromagnetic seeker, both intended for use aboard Rafale fighter jets operated by the French Armed Forces.
As a result, the recent test on June 19 over the Mediterranean required meticulous preparations to validate “…the entire missile operation chain in its infrared version and its associated performance,” which represents “…a major milestone toward the missile’s qualification and its integration into the Rafale.”
As noted, and according to the official schedule, the DGA plans to equip Rafale aircraft of both the French Air and Space Force and the French Navy with the MICA NG before 2030. To achieve this, additional tests and evaluations will be required under various conditions, altitudes, and launch speeds—including during supersonic flight.
A French Navy Rafale M fires the first operational MBDA Meteor air-to-air missile
In parallel with the MICA NG test, the French Navy and the DGA also confirmed the first firing of an MBDA Meteor air-to-air missile by a Rafale M, the naval variant of the French fighter jet.
This test was first announced by France’s Minister of the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu, via his social media accounts. It was later confirmed by the French Navy, which added that the launch took place on June 18, conducted by a Rafale M from Naval Aviation squadron 11F at the Landes Test Center.
Lastly, it is worth noting that the combination of MBDA’s MICA and Meteor missiles currently forms the backbone of the Rafale’s air-to-air combat capability at short, medium, and beyond-visual ranges.
Cover image used for illustrative purposes only.
