On June 1, the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) successfully conducted the first test firing of the MICA NG (New Generation) air-to-air missile from a Rafale fighter jet in supersonic flight configuration.
The firing was carried out from an instrumented aircraft at the DGA’s Mediterranean missile testing site.
Conducted under the supervision of the DGA, with the support of MBDA, Dassault Aviation, and the French Air and Space Force, the test represents a major milestone toward the missile’s integration onto the Rafale aircraft.
It successfully evaluated the infrared seeker’s performance under highly demanding operational conditions. This was the second development firing of the MICA NG from a Rafale.
Further tests will be conducted to complete qualification, paving the way for the first deliveries to renew the interception, close-combat, and self-protection capabilities of the French Air and Space Force’s and Navy’s Rafale fleets, according to the DGA.
The MICA NG will enable French forces to counter future threats and maintain operational superiority in contested airspace. The production line is already being established to meet both domestic and export requirements, reflecting industry readiness for high-intensity conflict.
The successful launch validated the complete deployment chain of the infrared version of the MICA NG and its performance in a highly demanding operational environment. The seeker is the system that allows the missile to automatically correct its trajectory by detecting infrared radiation emitted by the target.
In supersonic flight, the Rafale and the missile are exposed to significantly higher ambient temperatures. This reduces the thermal contrast between the target and the background, making detection more challenging.
This test successfully validated the MICA NG’s infrared seeker under these extreme conditions. This achievement is the result of close collaboration between industry and government, led by the DGA, the program’s prime contractor.
Five DGA testing and expertise centers were mobilized for the test:
- DGA Missile Testing and DGA Flight Testing managed the overall conduct of the firing, including target implementation and safety of personnel and assets.
- DGA Engineering and Projects provided critical coordination and technical expertise prior to the test.
- DGA Information Management and DGA Aerospace Techniques contributed to system reliability, software safety, and resistance to mechanical, climatic, and electromagnetic environments.
The launch required an extensive preparation phase, including multiple flight test campaigns using the DGA Flight Test Center’s Fokker 100 testbed aircraft. Further launches will be carried out to fully validate the MICA NG across its various versions and launch configurations at different altitudes and speeds.
According to MBDA, this enhances France’s capability to maintain its operational superiority in contested and high-intensity airspaces. In addition to the usual targets for air-to-air missiles, the MICA NG extends its capabilities to targets with very low infrared and electromagnetic signatures, such as drones, stealth fighters, and highly maneuverable cruise missiles.
Since entering service in the 2000s, French Rafale aircraft have been equipped with MBDA’s MICA interceptor, combat, and self-defense missiles. These missiles are capable of both short-range self-protection and longer-range interception missions, complementing the long-range Meteor missile.
Like its predecessor, the MICA NG will be produced in both infrared and electromagnetic (radar) versions. With enhanced performance — particularly through its bi-pulse propulsion system and upgraded seekers — the Rafale will be able to counter a wide spectrum of current and future threats.
Additionally, the VL MICA NG (Vertical Launch) variant will strengthen France’s ground-based air defense capabilities.
Rafale Jets
The Dassault Rafale is widely regarded as one of the world’s most capable 4.5-generation multirole fighter jets. Designed and built by France’s Dassault Aviation, the Rafale was developed as a fully indigenous platform to replace multiple aging aircraft in the French inventory with a single, highly versatile “omnirole” fighter.
The Rafale can perform air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance, nuclear deterrence, and maritime strike missions in a single sortie. It is equipped with the SPECTRA EW Suite, which provides exceptional survivability against missiles through radar jamming, infrared decoys, and threat detection.
It is equipped with the RBE2 AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar, high-resolution optronic sensors, and sensor fusion technology that gives the pilot a complete battlespace picture.
It has 14 hardpoints with a maximum payload of 9.5 tonnes. It can carry a wide range of weapons, including: Meteor long-range BVR missile, MICA and MICA NG in the future, Scalp/Storm Shadow cruise missiles, Hammer precision-guided bombs, and Nuclear ASMP-A missile
The aircraft has three variants: Rafale C: single-seat land-based version; Rafale B: two-seat land-based version; and Rafale M: naval version for aircraft carrier operations.
Via ET Desk
