A major milestone has been achieved in the development of the MICA NG air-to-air missile with the successful completion of its second developmental firing from a Rafale fighter jet. Conducted at the Mediterranean test range of the DGA Missile Testing Centre, the trial marked the first time the missile was launched from a Rafale flying at supersonic speed. The achievement builds on the programme’s first Rafale-based development firing carried out in June 2025 and brings the missile closer to full qualification and operational integration.
The launch was carried out through a collaborative effort involving MBDA, the French defence procurement agency DGA, Dassault Aviation, and the French Air and Space Force. Taking place under highly demanding operational parameters, the test focused on evaluating the performance of the MICA NG’s infrared guidance system in a high-speed flight environment. Results confirmed the missile’s capability to effectively engage a broad spectrum of present and future airborne threats.
The firing successfully validated the operation of the infrared variant’s complete engagement chain, particularly the performance of its seeker during extreme flight conditions. The seeker plays a critical role in guiding the missile by identifying the target’s infrared signature and continuously adjusting the missile’s trajectory throughout the engagement.
Operating in a supersonic flight regime presents unique challenges, as the missile and seeker experience elevated thermal loads generated by high-speed airflow. Increased temperatures reduce the distinction between the target’s heat signature and the background environment, complicating target acquisition and tracking. The successful test demonstrated that the MICA NG’s infrared seeker can maintain effective target detection and guidance even under these demanding thermal conditions, further validating the missile’s advanced capabilities.
