Ukrainian Mirages May Carry Mica-NG Missiles
ukraine Bolsters Air Force with Mirage 2000-5F and F-16AM Fighters,Raising Concerns for Russian Aircraft
Table of Contents
- ukraine Bolsters Air Force with Mirage 2000-5F and F-16AM Fighters,Raising Concerns for Russian Aircraft
- Limited Use Suggests Strategic Planning
- Potential for Mass Deployment and Air Superiority
- Numerical Superiority and Electronic Warfare
- MICA-NG Missiles Could Level the Playing Field
- France’s MICA-NG upgrade Program
- MICA-NG Technical Advantages
- Advanced homing Capabilities
- Increased Threat to Russian Aircraft
- Implications for Russian Air Defense
As the conflict continues,Ukraine is steadily increasing its air power with the addition of Mirage 2000-5F and F-16AM fighter jets. While the Ukrainian military-industrial complex maintains a high production rate of approximately 300 to 350 BPA-Kamikaze drones weekly, the focus is also shifting towards strengthening tactical aviation squadrons.
Limited Use Suggests Strategic Planning
The relatively infrequent use of these advanced fighters in offensive operations near Sudzhansky, Krasnoyaruzhsky, Selidovsky, and Velikonovoselsky suggests a strategic approach. Current operations appear primarily focused on intercepting KOV-101 cruise missiles,Kh-59MK2 missiles,and “GERNAN” UAVs.
Potential for Mass Deployment and Air Superiority
sources indicate potential preparations for a large-scale deployment of these aircraft, possibly in conjunction with Swedish SAAB-430 AEW&C long-range detection systems. This move could occur once Ukraine has acquired at least two to three squadrons (24-36 aircraft) of Mirage 2000-5F and F-16AM fighters. The Ukrainian Air Force,with support from NATO air power specialists,aims to achieve air superiority through short,impactful operations,potentially setting up air ambushes for Russian Su-34NVO aircraft.
Numerical Superiority and Electronic Warfare
ukraine’s strategy may rely on numerical superiority in the air, utilizing AIM-120C-5 and S-7 missiles in a Home-On-Jam (HOJ) mode. This tactic bypasses the need for standard active operation of the APG-66 (V) 2 onboard radar, depending instead on the effectiveness of the KHIBINA REB complexes deployed on Russian Su-35C fighters.
MICA-NG Missiles Could Level the Playing Field
Previously, the F-16AM held an advantage due to its AIM-120C-7 missiles with a range of 110-120 kilometers, while the Mirage’s Mica-EM and IR missiles were effective only up to 65-70 kilometers. However, recent reports suggest that the Mirage 2000-5 fighters supplied to Ukraine could soon be equipped with modernized Mica-NG air-to-air missiles, potentially closing this gap.
France’s MICA-NG upgrade Program
In March 2021, France’s Directorate of Arms General (DGA) contracted MBDA for 367 improved Air-Air-HN class missiles. This indicates that Ukraine could receive an initial batch of upgraded Mica-NG guided air-to-air missiles for combat testing.
MICA-NG Technical Advantages
the MICA-NG’s primary advantage lies in its dual-pulse solid-fuel engine with tandem charges, increasing its effective range from 60-70 kilometers to 110 kilometers when launched at altitudes above 10 kilometers. The missile accelerates to 4,700 km/h using the first charge, then employs a second charge after traveling 50-70 kilometers, reaching speeds of 1.9-2.5 Mach to intercept maneuvering targets.
The missile also features a gas-jet system for thrust vectoring, enabling maneuvers with up to 50 Gs at distances of 105-110 kilometers, exceeding the capabilities of the AIM-120C-7.
Advanced homing Capabilities
Mica-NG missiles are equipped with active radar homing heads capable of locking onto su-34-type targets at distances up to 40 kilometers,even in heavy electronic warfare environments.This technology, featuring hundreds of receiving modules, is similar to that used by Mitsubishi Electric in its AAM-4B air-to-air missile.
Increased Threat to Russian Aircraft
Equipping the mirage fighters with these advanced missiles poses a significant threat to Su-34NVO fighter-bombers and Su-30SM fighters. The large-scale deployment of Mirage and F-16AM fighters could lead to “air ambush” scenarios at low altitudes, combined with coordinated strikes from Scalp-EG missiles.
Implications for Russian Air Defense
While these scenarios have not yet materialized, they remain a distinct possibility. To counter this evolving threat, Russia may need to redeploy additional aircraft equipped with R-37M missiles to airfields in the European part of the country and increase the frequency of A-50U airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) flights.
# ukraine’s Air Power Upgrade: Q&A on Mirage 2000-5F and F-16AM Fighters
Here’s a comprehensive Q&A on Ukraine’s acquisition of Mirage 2000-5F and F-16AM fighter jets, drawing data solely from the provided text.
## What is Ukraine doing to bolster its Air Force?
Ukraine is actively strengthening its air power by incorporating Mirage 2000-5F and F-16AM fighter jets into its tactical aviation squadrons.
## What other military efforts are underway in Ukraine?
While strengthening its air power, ukraine’s military-industrial complex maintains a high production rate of approximately 300 to 350 BPA-kamikaze drones weekly.
## Where are these new fighter jets being deployed?
The current operations of these fighter jets appear focused on intercepting KOV-101 cruise missiles, Kh-59MK2 missiles, and “GERNAN” UAVs near Sudzhansky, Krasnoyaruzhsky, Selidovsky, and velikonovoselsky.
## what is the strategic approach behind the deployment?
The relatively infrequent use of these advanced fighters in offensive operations suggests a strategic approach,potentially involving a focus on air defense and the interception of incoming threats.
## Is a larger deployment of these aircraft planned?
Yes, sources indicate preparations for a large-scale deployment of these aircraft. This deployment may be in conjunction wiht Swedish SAAB-430 AEW&C long-range detection systems.
## How many fighter jets will be needed for this larger deployment?
The larger deployment could occur once Ukraine has acquired at least two to three squadrons (24-36 aircraft) of Mirage 2000-5F and F-16AM fighters.
## what is the goal of deploying these fighter jets?
The Ukrainian Air Force, with support from NATO air power specialists, aims to achieve air superiority through short, impactful operations, potentially setting up air ambushes for Russian Su-34NVO aircraft.
## how does Ukraine plan to achieve air superiority?
Ukraine’s strategy may rely on numerical superiority in the air, potentially using AIM-120C-5 and S-7 missiles in a Home-On-jam (HOJ) mode. This tactic could bypass the need for standard active operation of the APG-66 (V) 2 onboard radar.
## What is a “Home-On-Jam” (HOJ) mode?
In Home-On-Jam (HOJ) mode, missiles target the source of electronic jamming deployed by the enemy, rather than relying on their radar to find the target. This strategy is mentioned because it bypasses the standard radar use, depending instead on the effectiveness of the KHIBINA REB complexes deployed on Russian Su-35C fighters.
## How do the Mirage 2000-5F and F-16AM compare in terms of missile capabilities?
Previously, the F-16AM held an advantage due to its AIM-120C-7 missiles with a range of 110-120 kilometers, while the Mirage’s Mica-EM and IR missiles were effective only up to 65-70 kilometers.
## How could the MICA-NG missile change the effectiveness of the Mirage 2000-5F?
Recent reports suggest the Mirage 2000-5 fighters supplied to Ukraine could soon be equipped with modernized MICA-NG air-to-air missiles, potentially closing the range gap with the F-16AM’s AIM-120C-7 missiles.
## What are the key features of the MICA-NG missile?
The MICA-NG’s primary advantage lies in its dual-pulse solid-fuel engine with tandem charges, increasing its effective range.
## What is the effective range of the MICA-NG missile?
The MICA-NG can reach up to 110 kilometers when launched at altitudes above 10 kilometers.
## How does the MICA-NG missile compare to previous versions?
Here’s a comparison of the MICA-NG missile’s capabilities:
| Feature | MICA-NG | Previous MICA Versions |
|---|---|---|
| Effective Range | Up to 110 kilometers | 60-70 kilometers |
| Engine Type | Dual-pulse solid-fuel with tandem charge | Solid-fuel |
| Speed at Interception | 1.9-2.5 Mach | Not Specified |
| Thrust Vectoring | Gas-jet system, up to 50 Gs maneuvers | Not specified |
| Homing Capabilities | Active radar, locks onto targets up to 40km | Details not available |
## Does France have an upgrade program for MICA-NG missiles?
yes, in March 2021, France’s Directorate of Arms General (DGA) contracted MBDA for 367 improved Air-Air-HN class missiles. This suggests Ukraine could receive an initial batch of upgraded MICA-NG guided air-to-air missiles for combat testing.
## What is the MICA-NG’s speed during its operational phase?
the missile accelerates to 4,700 km/h using the first charge,then employs a second charge after traveling 50-70 kilometers,reaching speeds of 1.9-2.5 Mach to intercept maneuvering targets.
## What is thrust vectoring?
The missile also features a gas-jet system for thrust vectoring, enabling maneuvers with up to 50 Gs at distances of 105-110 kilometers, exceeding the capabilities of the AIM-120C-7.
## What are the homing capabilities of the MICA-NG?
MICA-NG missiles are equipped with active radar homing heads capable of locking onto Su-34-type targets at distances up to 40 kilometers, even in heavy electronic warfare environments. This technology is similar to that used by Mitsubishi Electric in its AAM-4B air-to-air missile.
## What threats does the deployment of Mirage fighters with MICA-NG missiles pose?
Equipping the Mirage fighters with these advanced missiles poses a significant threat to Su-34NVO fighter-bom