In a sign of the maturation of the weapons system and the growing adaptation of the Ukrainian Air Force to Western equipment, recent images confirm that the Dassault Mirage 2000-5 fighters supplied by France have reportedly begun employing MICA air-to-air missiles in operational missions. This follows the observation of a Ukrainian Mirage 2000 carrying one of these missiles on its wing pylons, marking a milestone in the integration of advanced weaponry within the newly incorporated fleet.
Until now, Ukrainian Mirage 2000-5s had only been observed carrying Matra Magic II infrared missiles, which have been used with notable effectiveness against Russian drones and cruise missiles. According to reports released in late 2025, the Ukrainian Air Force claimed an effectiveness rate of close to 98% in interceptions using this type of weapon. However, aircrews themselves acknowledged the need to incorporate longer-range missiles to counter more complex aerial threats, making the arrival of the MICA a natural evolution of the weapons system.
The MICA missile (Missile d’Interception, de Combat et d’Auto-défense), developed by MBDA, is a short- to medium-range air-to-air system designed for the Dassault Mirage 2000-5 and Rafale fighters. With an estimated range of between 60 and 80 kilometers, the MICA offers two guidance variants: the MICA EM, equipped with an active radar seeker, and the MICA IR, fitted with an infrared imaging seeker. Both versions share the same airframe, which simplifies integration across multiple platforms. Its solid-fuel rocket motor and thrust vector control provide high maneuverability, making it a versatile weapon for both beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagements and within-visual-range (WVR) combat.
Although it has not yet been officially confirmed which MICA variant is in service with Ukraine, the available images suggest it may be the radar-guided version, mounted on the inner pylons of the Mirage 2000-5. It also remains unclear whether the missiles were supplied together with the aircraft in 2025 or if they are part of a more recent supply package from France. What is clear is that the introduction of the MICA significantly expands Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, particularly in response to Russia’s increasing use of Kh-101 cruise missiles and Shahed drones.
The process of integrating the Mirage 2000-5 began in February 2025, when the French Ministry of Defense announced the delivery of the first aircraft to the Ukrainian Air Force. One month later, the new fleet achieved its first confirmed interception by shooting down a Kh-101 missile during a large-scale Russian attack. Since then, the Mirages have been employed in air defense missions and, according to reports, also in strike sorties using guided munitions, thanks to modifications implemented by French technicians prior to delivery.
The transition to the use of the MICA represents a decisive step in the operational maturation of Ukraine’s Mirage fleet. The technological leap over the Magic II not only increases the range and accuracy of the weapons system, but also aligns Ukraine’s capabilities with those of other European air forces operating these fighters.
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