France has achieved another milestone in the development of the MICA NG air-to-air missile following a successful supersonic firing test from a Rafale fighter jet. The trial focused on validating the missile’s advanced infrared seeker under challenging thermal conditions created by high-speed flight. Results confirmed the seeker’s ability to detect and engage targets despite reduced thermal contrast, advancing the missile’s qualification process. Offering significantly improved range and performance over earlier MICA variants, the MICA NG is designed to counter aircraft, drones, stealth platforms, and cruise missiles in both short-range and beyond-visual-range engagements.
