AIM-7 Sparrow vs Mica
The AIM-7 Sparrow and the Mica are both Air-to-Air missiles. Range is 70 km for the AIM-7 Sparrow vs 80 km for the Mica. The AIM-7 Sparrow reaches 4,939 km/h vs 4,900 km/h for the Mica. The AIM-7 Sparrow carries a 39 kg warhead vs 12 kg for the Mica. Launch weight is 228 kg for the AIM-7 Sparrow vs 112 kg for the Mica. The AIM-7 Sparrow uses Semi-active radar homing guidance, while the Mica relies on Inertial, radar active or infrared. The AIM-7 Sparrow has been produced in 70,000 units vs 1,110 for the Mica. Unit cost is $0.125M for the AIM-7 Sparrow vs $1.5M for the Mica. The AIM-7 Sparrow entered service 67 years before the Mica (1958 vs 2025).
| American air-to-air missile, entered service in 1958, utilizes semi-active radar homing for guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Air-to-Air |
| Type | Radar-guided air-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Raytheon |
| Service year | 1958 |
| Number produced | 70,000 units |
| Estimated unit price | $0.1 million |
| French air-to-air missile, entering service in 2025, uses inertial, radar active, or infrared guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇫🇷 France |
| Category | Air-to-Air |
| Type | Active radar-guided air-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | MBDA |
| Service year | 2025 |
| Number produced | 1,110 units |
| Estimated unit price | $1.5 million |
| Range | 70.0 km â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 4.0 â—‰ |
| Weight | 228 kg â—‰ |
| Warhead | 39.0 kg â—‰ |
| Length | 3.68 m â—‰ |
| Diameter | 203 mm â—‰ |
| Guidance | Semi-active radar homing |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
| Range | 80.0 km â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 4.0 â—‰ |
| Weight | 112 kg â—‰ |
| Warhead | 12.0 kg â—‰ |
| Length | 3.10 m â—‰ |
| Diameter | 160 mm â—‰ |
| Guidance | Inertial, radar active or infrared |
| Warhead type | Explosive |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the AIM-7 Sparrow or Mica?
The Mica has a longer range at 80 km compared to the AIM-7 Sparrow's 70 km.
Which is faster, the AIM-7 Sparrow or Mica?
The AIM-7 Sparrow is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 4.0 compared to the Mica's Mach 4.0.
Which has a larger warhead, the AIM-7 Sparrow or Mica?
The AIM-7 Sparrow carries a larger warhead at 39 kg compared to the Mica's 12 kg.
Which is heavier, the AIM-7 Sparrow or Mica?
The AIM-7 Sparrow is heavier at 228 kg compared to the Mica's 112 kg.
Which is longer, the AIM-7 Sparrow or Mica?
The AIM-7 Sparrow is longer at 3.68 meters compared to the Mica's 3.10 meters.
What guidance systems do the AIM-7 Sparrow and Mica use?
The AIM-7 Sparrow uses Semi-active radar homing guidance while the Mica uses Inertial, radar active or infrared guidance.
Which entered service first, the AIM-7 Sparrow or Mica?
The AIM-7 Sparrow entered service first in 1958, 67 years before the Mica which entered service in 2025.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AIM-7 Sparrow or Mica?
The AIM-7 Sparrow has been produced in greater numbers with 70,000 units compared to 1,110 units of the Mica.