France is Developing Next Generation Air-to-Air Missile System

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The French defense procurement agency, DGA, has announced Mica NG air-to-air missile program to replace their MICA medium-range missile. This missile program will renew the medium-range interception, close combat and self-protection capabilities of the Rafale and the latest versions of Mirage 2000-5 combat aircraft.

Upgrades of new multi-mission air-to-air missile system will include internal modifications, keeping the exterior unchanged, according to the agency’s statement.

Work on the establishment of MICA NG will be carried out by a partnership of MBDA, Safran and Thales, which will finance part of research and development from their own sources.

Like the existing MICA rocket, the new MICA NG will be created in two versions – with an infrared guidance, and with active radar homing system.

The MICA NG will be launched from a variety of modern aircraft and is primarily meant to arm the latest generation of French fighter aircraft. It can be used on the Rafale, Mirage 2000-5, upgraded Mirage F-1 and F-16 Block 60. A ground-based air defense version is also will be proposed and missiles for export.

Innovation in guidance and propulsion systems, surface-to-air capabilities in the vertical launch version give the strong export potential for the MICA Next Generation,” France’s Armed Forces ministry stated, according to defensenews.com.