Iris-T vs Mica
Overview
The Iris-T and the Mica are both Air-to-Air missiles.
The Mica has a range of 80 km — 3.2x the Iris-T's 25 km. The Iris-T reaches 3,704 km/h vs 4,900 km/h for the Mica. The Iris-T carries a 11.5 kg warhead vs 12 kg for the Mica. Launch weight is 87 kg for the Iris-T vs 112 kg for the Mica. The Iris-T uses Imaging infrared homing guidance, while the Mica relies on Inertial, radar active or infrared.
The Iris-T has been produced in 5,000 units vs 1,110 for the Mica. Unit cost is $0.47M for the Iris-T vs $1.5M for the Mica. The Iris-T entered service 20 years before the Mica (2005 vs 2025).
| German air-to-air missile, entered service in 2005, uses imaging infrared homing for guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇩🇪 Germany |
| Category | Air-to-Air |
| Type | Infrared-guided air-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Diehl BGT |
| Service year | 2005 |
| Number produced | 5,000 units |
| Estimated unit price | $0.5 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 | 25.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 3.0 ◉ |
| Weight | 87 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 11.5 kg ◉ |
| Length | 2.94 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 127 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Imaging infrared homing |
| Warhead type | High Explosive / Fragmentation |
| Range | 80.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 4.0 ◉ |
| Weight | 112 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 12.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 3.10 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 160 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Inertial, radar active or infrared |
| Warhead type | Explosive |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the Iris-T or Mica?
The Mica has a longer range at 80 km compared to the Iris-T's 25 km.
Which is faster, the Iris-T or Mica?
The Mica is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 4.0 compared to the Iris-T's Mach 3.0.
Which has a larger warhead, the Iris-T or Mica?
The Mica carries a larger warhead at 12 kg compared to the Iris-T's 11 kg.
Which is heavier, the Iris-T or Mica?
The Mica is heavier at 112 kg compared to the Iris-T's 87 kg.
Which is longer, the Iris-T or Mica?
The Mica is longer at 3.10 meters compared to the Iris-T's 2.94 meters.
What guidance systems do the Iris-T and Mica use?
The Iris-T uses Imaging infrared homing guidance while the Mica uses Inertial, radar active or infrared guidance.
Which entered service first, the Iris-T or Mica?
The Iris-T entered service first in 2005, 20 years before the Mica which entered service in 2025.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Iris-T or Mica?
The Iris-T has been produced in greater numbers with 5,000 units compared to 1,110 units of the Mica.