AIM-7 Sparrow vs MICA NG
Overview
The AIM-7 Sparrow and the MICA NG are both Air-to-Air missiles.
Range is 70 km for the AIM-7 Sparrow vs 112 km for the MICA NG. The AIM-7 Sparrow reaches 4,939 km/h vs 4,939 km/h for the MICA NG. The AIM-7 Sparrow carries a 39 kg warhead vs 12 kg for the MICA NG. Launch weight is 228 kg for the AIM-7 Sparrow vs 112 kg for the MICA NG. The AIM-7 Sparrow uses Semi-active radar homing guidance, while the MICA NG relies on Inertial, two-way datalink, active AESA radar or imaging infrared homing.
The AIM-7 Sparrow entered service 68 years before the MICA NG (1958 vs 2026).
| 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 second-generation air-to-air missile, entering service from 2026, with an active radar (AESA) or imaging infrared seeker and up to 40% more range than the original MICA. | |
| Origin | 🇫🇷 France |
| Category | Air-to-Air |
| Type | Beyond-visual-range / short-range air-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | MBDA France |
| Service year | 2026 |
| Number produced | -- units |
| Estimated unit price | NA |
| Range | 70.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 4.0 ◉ |
| Weight | 228 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 39.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 3.68 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 203 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Semi-active radar homing |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
| Range | 112.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 4.0 ◉ |
| Weight | 112 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 12.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 3.10 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 160 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Inertial, two-way datalink, active AESA radar or imaging infrared homing |
| Warhead type | High-explosive focused fragmentation |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the AIM-7 Sparrow or MICA NG?
The MICA NG has a longer range at 112 km compared to the AIM-7 Sparrow's 70 km.
Which is faster, the AIM-7 Sparrow or MICA NG?
Both the AIM-7 Sparrow and MICA NG have the same maximum speed of Mach 4.0.
Which has a larger warhead, the AIM-7 Sparrow or MICA NG?
The AIM-7 Sparrow carries a larger warhead at 39 kg compared to the MICA NG's 12 kg.
Which is heavier, the AIM-7 Sparrow or MICA NG?
The AIM-7 Sparrow is heavier at 228 kg compared to the MICA NG's 112 kg.
Which is longer, the AIM-7 Sparrow or MICA NG?
The AIM-7 Sparrow is longer at 3.68 meters compared to the MICA NG's 3.10 meters.
What guidance systems do the AIM-7 Sparrow and MICA NG use?
The AIM-7 Sparrow uses Semi-active radar homing guidance while the MICA NG uses Inertial, two-way datalink, active AESA radar or imaging infrared homing guidance.
Which entered service first, the AIM-7 Sparrow or MICA NG?
The AIM-7 Sparrow entered service first in 1958, 68 years before the MICA NG which entered service in 2026.