Ukrainian Mirage Jets Now Carry French MICA Missiles to Target Russian Aircraft

Ukraine has begun arming its Mirage 2000-5F fighter jets with MICA air-to-air missiles, expanding its aerial interception capabilities beyond the previously reported use of short-range Magic 2 weapons.

According to Defense Express on January 6, newly surfaced imagery shows a Ukrainian Mirage 2000-5F equipped with what appears to be a MICA missile under fuselage station No. 7.

This detail is significant, as legacy Super 530D missiles—which closely resemble MICA visually—are not compatible with that mounting point, while the MICA system is. This strongly suggests that the missile seen is indeed part of the MICA family.

MICA: versatile, but expensive

The MICA (Missile d’Interception, de Combat et d’Auto-défense) is France’s standard air-to-air missile for its Mirage 2000 and Rafale fighters. Developed by MBDA, it replaces the older Magic 2 and Super 530D missiles. It is available in two primary versions:

• MICA RF (EM) with active radar homing, offering a nominal maximum range of 80 km;

• MICA IR, using infrared guidance with a range of approximately 60 km.

Despite these extended ranges, Defense Express notes that MICA’s effective combat range may be more limited, and that the missile’s warhead—13 kg—is comparable to short-range systems rather than larger medium-range ones like the AIM-120 AMRAAM.

One advantage of the MICA is its flexibility: it can engage targets from any direction if cued via Link 16 by another aircraft. However, the missile’s modular design has led to higher production costs, with each unit reportedly priced around €2 million. This is significantly more than the AIM-9X (~$600,000) or even the AIM-120D (~$1.6 million).

Confirmation still pending on variant type

While the presence of the MICA on Ukrainian aircraft is now visually supported, it remains unclear whether Ukraine has received the infrared (IR) or radar-guided (EM) version.

The missile’s seeker head is not visible in the available image, preventing clear identification. According to Defense Express, both variants share similar flight characteristics, including a top speed of Mach 4.

In the same photograph, the Mirage 2000-5F is also shown carrying the Magic 2 missile, which has an effective range of up to 20 km and infrared guidance. That weapon was previously seen in multiple combat engagements involving Ukrainian Air Force aircraft.

France initially transferred Mirage 2000-5F aircraft to Ukraine in early 2025 as part of broader Western support for strengthening Ukraine’s air defense and interception capabilities. The aircraft were delivered from retired French Air Force stocks, and came with a limited weapons package that reportedly did not initially include MICA.

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As of 2020, France had produced over 5,000 MICA missiles, with approximately 3,500 exported. A next-generation version, MICA NG, is set to begin deliveries to the French military in 2026. This newer variant retains the same external dimensions but incorporates an improved motor and guidance package, extending its range by up to 40%.

Earlier, in November 2025, a Ukrainian Mirage 2000 pilot reported a 98% interception rate against Russian drones and missiles, highlighting the aircraft’s combat effectiveness with Magic 2 missiles.

Speaking to Defence Blog, the pilot emphasized the need for longer-range weapons and additional Western jets, noting the potential advantages of transitioning to platforms like the Rafale or F-35.

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