RAFALE COST DEBATE: MBDA's MICA Missile For Rafale

MICA is the reference multi-mission air-to-air missile system for the Rafale and latest versions of the Mirage-2000 combat aircraft. Developed by MBDA, MICA provides a high level of tactical flexibility. MICA stands for Missile d’Interception, de Combat etd’Autodéfense, which is a clear statement that this single missile system covers all facets of the air-to-air battle: BVR (Beyond Visual Range) interception, close air combat and self defence.

The MICA system has 2 versions: MICA (EM) RF with an active radio frequency seeker and MICA IR with a passive dual waveband imaging infrared seeker. Both missiles are fully qualified and in series production, being currently flown by numerous air forces worldwide.

A “full MICA” configuration on an aircraft such as Rafale gives very flexible and high BVR fire power for air superiority during various missions: combat air patrol, sweep, deep strike, recce, and maritime operations. The MICA missile in BVR mode introduces a new way of waging air combat by offering multi- target capability at extended ranges with the two interoperable guidance systems to hamper enemy counter measures. All (EM) RF or IR MICA missiles are fully BVR, being operable with or without data link target designation updating. In short range (SR) combat, a MICA configuration on an aircraft offers a full “new generation” capability thanks to the outstanding performance of the missile (extreme agility and manoeuvrability).

The vertically launched ship-borne MICA Missile

An additional advantage lies in the possibility of launching MICA with its seeker (namely IR) either locked-on to the target or not, while still featuring all BVR qualities. The same MICA missile provides a dual use (air-launched or surface-launched). The surface launched variant, named “VL MICA”, is launched vertically either from naval- or ground-based air defence systems.

IAF in September 2016, carried out the successful test-fire of the MICA missiles, which were newly acquired from France. The MICA missiles are known to have high

level of tactical flexibility with multi-mission, multi-target Beyond Visual Range (BVR) capability. It is also known to perform well in Enhanced Short Range (SR). MICA missiles are known to have an operational range of 50 km.

The IAF tested the MICA from a manoeuvring target released from the upgraded Mirage-2000 aircraft. The missile directly hit the target that was not only flying at a lower altitude but also was smaller than the missile.

The MICA is also an important element of the upgrade program for the IAF’s Jaguar bomber fleet. This short range air-to-air missile’s speed not only provides safe separation from the Jaguar’s above-wing pylons, it also guarantees “first shot first kill” to avoid getting involved in a dogfight. As the Jaguar is a low-flying aircraft, threats will most likely come from more agile fighters with altitude superiority, MICA offers a major advantage here in its unmatched “snap-up” capability, its ability to rapidly divert upwards once fired.

The success of the test augments the IAF's critical BVR capability. The test also validated the launch envelop of the missile. MICA is also a weapon system closely associated with the Rafale.

Storm Shadow/Scalp

The Storm Shadow/Scalp is a conventionally armed, stealthy, long-range stand-off precision weapon designed to neutralise high value targets. This precision, day or night, all-weather missile system is optimised for pre-planned attacks on static targets whose positions are accurately known before the mission. Mission data, including target reference scene and aim point, are programmed into Storm Shadow/Scalp on the ground (whilst loaded or in storage preparation areas), thus demands on aircrew are kept to a minimum. The fire and forget missile once launched will find its way to the intended target autonomously which, combined with the missile’s range, allows the launch aircraft to keep well clear of enemy air defences.

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