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Since the middle of the 1980s, the company MBDA (F) (ex Matra BAe Dynamics France) has been developing the MICA air-to-air missile (MICA = Missile d’Interception, de Combat and d’autodéfense) which has revolutionised air combat. MICA is currently the only multi-target intercept missile using active EM and passive IR seekers, which can carry out all air defence missions.

With a range of more than 80 km, it will replace both the Super 530D for intercept missions and the MAGIC 2 for close air combat.

Since 1999, MICA has been the primary weapon of the Mirage 2000-5 air defence aircraft in the French Air Force. It is also the primary weapon for both naval and air force versions of the Rafale. For both aircraft types, it fulfils the intercept, combat and self defence roles during air defence and ground attack missions.

MICA has been exported to several nations, with more than 2000 units sold.

MBDA is also developing a land and naval version designated MICA VL (Vertical Launch), which is a short-range air defence or anti-missile missile (> 10 km). This version is based on the air-to-air version of MICA and shares all its technical features.