Indian Companies Take Center Stage in European MBDA's Next-Gen MICA NG Missile Program

European missile giant MBDA is deepening its ties with India's defence industry, leveraging the country's growing manufacturing prowess for its next-generation MICA NG (Nouvelle Génération) missile program.

This move builds upon existing collaboration where Indian companies already produce 15 major subassemblies for the current MICA missile, covering complex mechanical, electrical, and pyrotechnic components.

The MICA NG, slated for delivery from 2026, is a comprehensive upgrade to the existing MICA air-to-air missile system. Currently deployed by France and 14 other nations, the MICA is renowned for its versatility, offering both infrared and radio frequency seekers, along with rail and ejection launch options within a single missile casing. The MICA NG aims to retain this adaptability while incorporating significant performance enhancements.

MBDA has focused on improving the missile's range and agility. By redesigning internal electronics, engineers have created space for additional propellant, extending the MICA NG's reach and effectiveness against distant targets. A new double-pulse rocket motor provides an extra burst of energy in the terminal phase, boosting maneuverability for engaging fast-moving or evasive threats.

To enhance operational efficiency, the MICA NG will feature an integrated health monitoring system. This system will continuously assess the missile's condition throughout its lifecycle, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and ensuring constant readiness.

This collaboration underscores India's strategic importance in the global defence supply chain. By entrusting Indian companies with the production of critical components for the MICA NG, MBDA is fostering a technological ecosystem in India capable of supporting advanced missile technologies. This partnership not only strengthens India's domestic defence industry but also contributes to MBDA's goal of delivering a cutting-edge air-to-air missile system to its global customers.

 

[sanket]

Good developments. Now MBDA should also rope in local private companies for the Meteor system too. Second, what will be the range for MICA-NG? So, the wait will be another 2 years. Mirage-2000 needs BVR with over 100+ range. MICA is becoming outdated in today's era with only a 60 km range, unlike the F-16, which can fire AIM-120 series missiles having a range from 105 km to 120 km, while the MIG-29 too can fire Astra BVR with a range of 110 km, and all these fighter jets are of the same era. Now with more companies from Bharat incorporating in the MICA-NG project, I think Dassault may agree to start a Rafale assembly plant in Bharat with local private players.

 

[R. Singh]

Govt should clear all hurdles to arm Su-30 MKI with Meteor, Scalp/ storm shadow,hammer missiles ! L& T and MBDA JV should make these missiles in India !

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Assembling costly missile will also be costly. Why not design and develop indigenous NG-CCM?

 

[sanket]

Assembling costly missile will also be costly. Why not design and develop indigenous NG-CCM?

DRDO already has plans for NG-CCM while this is for MBDA MICA missile which will b replace from France to other 14 nation while Local pvt players from bharat will b part of suply chain of this MICA-NG project

 

[Akshat]

Assembling costly missile will also be costly. Why not design and develop indigenous NG-CCM?

This one is not just for India (or maybe not for India at all). They are going to import parts from our suppliers, make the missiles and then export to their clients. So the more expensive it is, the more pricing liberty we will have while pricing our components.

 

[Sridhar]

IAF has ASRAAM, PYTHON already for within visual range engagement. ASTRA IR is also planned. MICA is already in service. IAF must induct missiles which can be fired from all the jets in its inventory, unlike the current situation where DERBY and PYTHON can be fired only by Tejas LCA.

 

[Sandeep]

India should offer to become part of their supply chain for other missiles that they have developed.

At the same time we should learn how to develop an indigenous version of those missiles or parts which can be useful for our own indigenous missiles that are under development if it can reduce the development time and costs.

 

[The_rED_dEVIL]

IAF has ASRAAM, PYTHON already for within visual range engagement. ASTRA IR is also planned. MICA is already in service. IAF must induct missiles which can be fired from all the jets in its inventory, unlike the current situation where DERBY and PYTHON can be fired only by Tejas LCA.

India has standardised ASRAAM for WVR roles from all jets. These are being manufactured by Bharat Dynamics and integrated with Jaguar, Tejas and Sukhoi (after Super Sukhoi upgrade).

Other missiles used by IAF includes:-

1. MBDA MICA: Rafale, Mirage 2000 fleet will keep relying on and MICA NG due to long time demand to integrate and test new weapon systems on them.
2. R-73: MiG-21, MiG-29, Su-30MKI

These missiles will remain in inventory until we replace the MiGs and Mirage 2000 by late 2030s. IAF should go for integration of Uttam AESA and ASRAAM and Indian missiles on Rafale too even if it takes time for logistical simplification.

Any future fighter jet inducted (Tejas Mk2, AMCA or TEDBF) will be integrated with ASRAAM. This will be in use until DRDO develops a similar category missile. There has not been much development news about Astra IR yet.