France receives the first batch of refurbished MICA missiles
MICA missiles carried by a Rafale fighter jet. (Photo: French Air and Space Force)
Refurbishing the missiles will keep them in service until 2030 with the French Navy and the Air and Space Force.
The French defence procurement agency, DGA, received 14 refurbished Missile d'Interception, de Combat et d'Autodéfense (MICA) air-to-air missiles on 7 June.
The delivery is part of a contract agreed upon by the DGA and MBDA in November 2018 to refurbish 300 missiles and purchase 567 MICA new generation missiles.
Work includes replacing the missile's propellant – which limited the lifespan of the MICA missile - allowing a smoother transition to the more powerful MICA NG.
France expects to begin taking delivery of MICA NG missiles in 2026.
Under the programme schedule, 50 refurbished missiles are to be delivered in 2022 and delivery of the remaining missiles will be staggered until 2026.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![GA-ASI confirms selection to support US Navy’s CCA programme]()
GA-ASI confirms selection to support US Navy’s CCA programme
The company is working on conceptual designs for the US Navy’s CCA programme alongside Anduril, Northrop Grumman and Boeing.
-
![The growing importance of the Blue UAS Cleared List]()
The growing importance of the Blue UAS Cleared List
Inclusion on the Defense Innovation Unit’s Blue UAS Cleared List is set to become ever more crucial for uncrewed aerial vehicle manufacturers due to the access it gives to the US market, which is set to expand significantly over the next 10 years.
-
![AUSA 2025: US Army and Bell squeeze MV-75 programme]()
AUSA 2025: US Army and Bell squeeze MV-75 programme
The MV-75, previously V-280, was originally designed as an assault aircraft which would replace some of the Black Hawk helicopters and add speed as a tilt-rotor platform. It is now envisioned to add a greater multirole capability reminiscent of the Black Hawk fleet.
-
![India elevates defence systems to boost mountain surveillance]()
India elevates defence systems to boost mountain surveillance
India has strengthened its focus on terrain-adaptive intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance following recent incursions and drone activity along the country’s northern borders.
