MBDA is set to establish a dedicated Maintenance, Repair, and Mid-Life Overhaul (MRO) facility for MICA air-to-air missiles in India following an agreement with the Indian Air Force (IAF). Under the arrangement, the European defense company will provide industrial machinery, specialized tooling, technical data packages, training, and engineering support, while the IAF will oversee the establishment, operation, and long-term maintenance of the facility. The initiative supports India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” strategy aimed at strengthening indigenous defense sustainment and reducing reliance on foreign maintenance infrastructure. The MICA missile family, integrated with India’s Rafale and upgraded Mirage 2000 fighter fleets, supports both beyond-visual-range and close-combat engagements through radar-guided and infrared-guided variants. By localizing sustainment capabilities, the project is expected to improve missile availability, reduce turnaround times, and strengthen long-term operational readiness for the IAF’s frontline fighter aircraft.
