Tiger Squadron of the Indian Air Force successfully fired
The Tiger Squadron of the Indian Air Force
(IAF) has successfully fired the recently acquired BVR (Beyond Visual Range)
air-to-air MICA missile on a target from an upgraded Mirage-2000 aircraft.
- The missile achieved a direct hit
on a target which was much smaller than an actual aircraft and flying at
low altitude. The target was destroyed on impact, validating the missile’s
launch envelope.
- With this, the IAF has become one
of the few air forces in the world with the capability of such missile.
The operational success of this mission confirms a critical capability of
Indian Air Force.
Background:
India purchased 450 MICAs from European
missile major MBDA as part of the Mirage 2000 upgrade deal from France in 2012
for $1.23 billion.
The MICA will be mounted on the 36 Rafale
combat jets that India is purchasing from France.
