PARIS — June 05, 2026 : France has successfully completed the first supersonic launch of the MICA NG (New Generation) air-to-air missile from a Dassault Rafale fighter, marking a major step in the development of the country's next-generation air combat capabilities.
The test was conducted on June 1, 2026, at the Directorate General of Armament (DGA) missile testing range in the Mediterranean. The trial involved cooperation between the DGA, MBDA, Dassault Aviation, and the French Air and Space Force.
The launch was the second major development firing of the MICA NG from a Rafale aircraft. A previous guided firing conducted on June 19, 2025, validated the missile’s infrared guidance system against a target drone. The latest test focused on evaluating the performance of the missile’s imaging infrared seeker during flight at speeds above Mach 1.
During supersonic flight, aerodynamic friction generates significant heat around the missile, particularly near the seeker window. These conditions can affect infrared sensors by reducing thermal contrast between a target and its background. The objective of the test was to determine whether the seeker could maintain effective target acquisition, tracking, discrimination, and guidance under such conditions.
According to the DGA, the trial successfully validated the missile’s seeker performance, target tracking, guidance system, aircraft-weapon integration, and overall operation during a supersonic launch profile.
The MICA NG is being developed to replace existing MICA missiles in French service and is designed to engage a wide range of threats, including stealth aircraft, drones, and low-signature cruise missiles.
The missile is available in two versions that share the same airframe and dimensions:
- MICA IR NG – Equipped with a passive imaging infrared seeker for engagements without emitting radar signals.
- MICA EM NG – Equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar seeker for active radar-guided targeting.
Both variants feature a dual-pulse solid rocket motor, which improves range, energy management, and performance against maneuvering targets. The missile also incorporates network-enabled engagement capabilities and improved resistance to electronic warfare.
The MICA NG is expected to reach speeds of more than Mach 4 and has a reported interception range of approximately 80 to 100 kilometers.
The missile is a key element of France’s air defense modernization program. Under the 2019–2025 Military Programming Law, France ordered 567 operational MICA NG missiles, along with training rounds, through contracts awarded in 2018 and 2021.
Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2026, with the missiles gradually replacing existing MICA inventories. The weapon will be deployed across France’s Rafale, Mirage 2000-5, and upgraded Mirage 2000D fleets.
Additional qualification tests are planned before the missile enters full operational service. The successful supersonic launch brings the MICA NG program closer to operational deployment with the French Armed Forces.
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