In a tweet sent on 30 June, the DGA (Direction Générale de l’Armement) announced that it had received, on the previous June 7, a first batch of 14 renovated MICA air-to-air missiles, which were taken care of by the Joint Ammunition Service (SIMu). This renovation is part of the contract notified in November 2018 by the DGA to the industrialist MBDA, covering both the pyrotechnic renovation of 300 Mica already delivered to the forces and the acquisition of 567 new-generation Mica missiles (Mica NG).
The pyrotechnic renovation of these 300 MICAs already equipped within the Air and Space Force and the French Navy will allow their use until 2030 by all fighter planes (Rafale all standards, Mirage 2000-5, refurbished Mirage 2000D). This operation, which consists of replacing the pyrotechnic equipment of the missile (in particular its propellant) which limits its lifespan, ensures a smooth transition for the air/air ammunition fleet between now and the rise in power of the Mica NG whose deliveries are scheduled to start from 2026.
The work is carried out at MBDA on its Selles-Saint-Denis site with equipment produced by Thales LAS, Roxel and ASB, all located in France.