France Achieves Supersonic Success with MICA NG Missile Test on Rafale Jet
The firing validated the missile’s infrared seeker in high-temperature conditions and moved MBDA’s MICA NG closer to operational qualification.
- On Friday, France successfully conducted the second development firing of the MICA NG air-to-air missile from a Rafale fighter jet in supersonic flight configuration at the DGA Missile Testing Centre's Mediterranean site.
- Missile manufacturer MBDA designed the MICA NG to counter stealth aircraft, drones, and highly maneuverable cruise missiles, extending capabilities beyond traditional targets to address evolved threats.
- The firing validated the infrared seeker's performance in supersonic conditions, where aerodynamic heating at approximately 1,235 km/h raises ambient temperatures, reducing thermal contrast and complicating target detection.
- India recently issued a Letter of Request to France to procure 114 Rafale jets with 94 manufactured domestically, as Air Chief Marshal AP Singh concluded his three-day visit on Thursday reaffirming partnership.
- The proposed agreement targets around 50 per cent localization, marking the first time Rafales are manufactured outside France, and would raise the total fleet size for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy beyond 200 aircraft.
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The military test validates the missile in extreme conditions and strengthens French air capacity in a context of growing global tension in Europe.
France Achieves Supersonic Success with MICA NG Missile Test on Rafale Jet
On Friday, France conducted a successful supersonic test of the MICA NG air-to-air missile from a Rafale jet, marking a major advancement against stealth threats. The test focused on the missile's infrared seeker, validating its capabilities under challenging conditions and advancing its integration into the Rafale fleet.
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Rafale fires MICA NG missile designed to hunt stealth jets in first supersonic test
The successful test comes as India advances plans for a major expansion of its Rafale fleet. India recently issued a Letter of Request (LoR) to France for a government-to-government deal worth around Rs 3.25 lakh crore to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force.
France fires next-gen air missile from Rafale
France has fired its next-generation air-to-air missile from a Rafale at supersonic speed for the first time, clearing one of the most demanding technical hurdles in the weapon’s qualification program and moving MBDA’s MICA NG significantly closer to operational service. The second development firing of the MICA NG, which stands for Missile for Interception, Combat, […]
This new version of the Mica missile "will enable forces to face future threats and maintain operational superiority in disputed airspace"
MBDA completes second MICA NG development firing from Rafale in supersonic flight configuration at DGA site
The company said the test marked a major step towards the missile’s qualification and integration with the Rafale. The first development firing from a Rafale took place in June 2025. The test was conducted in collaboration with teams from MBDA, DGA, Dassault Aviation and the French Air and Space Force. MBDA said the firing took place under highly demanding operational conditions. The firing successfully evaluated the performance of the MICA NG’s…
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