MICA NG vs R550 Magic
Overview
The MICA NG and the R550 Magic are both Air-to-Air missiles.
The MICA NG has a range of 112 km — 9.3x the R550 Magic's 12 km. The MICA NG reaches 4,939 km/h vs 3,704 km/h for the R550 Magic. The MICA NG carries a 12 kg warhead vs 12.5 kg for the R550 Magic. Launch weight is 112 kg for the MICA NG vs 89 kg for the R550 Magic. The MICA NG uses Inertial, two-way datalink, active AESA radar or imaging infrared homing guidance, while the R550 Magic relies on Infrared homing.
The R550 Magic entered service 40 years before the MICA NG (1986 vs 2026).
| 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 |
| French air-to-air missile, entering service in 1986, utilizes infrared homing for guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇫🇷 France |
| Category | Air-to-Air |
| Type | Infrared-guided air-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Matra |
| Service year | 1986 |
| Number produced | 11,300 units |
| Estimated unit price | $0.1 million |
| 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 |
| Range | 12.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 3.0 ◉ |
| Weight | 89 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 12.5 kg ◉ |
| Length | 2.75 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 160 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Infrared homing |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the MICA NG or R550 Magic?
The MICA NG has a longer range at 112 km compared to the R550 Magic's 12 km.
Which is faster, the MICA NG or R550 Magic?
The MICA NG is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 4.0 compared to the R550 Magic's Mach 3.0.
Which has a larger warhead, the MICA NG or R550 Magic?
The R550 Magic carries a larger warhead at 12 kg compared to the MICA NG's 12 kg.
Which is heavier, the MICA NG or R550 Magic?
The MICA NG is heavier at 112 kg compared to the R550 Magic's 89 kg.
Which is longer, the MICA NG or R550 Magic?
The MICA NG is longer at 3.10 meters compared to the R550 Magic's 2.75 meters.
What guidance systems do the MICA NG and R550 Magic use?
The MICA NG uses Inertial, two-way datalink, active AESA radar or imaging infrared homing guidance while the R550 Magic uses Infrared homing guidance.
Which entered service first, the MICA NG or R550 Magic?
The R550 Magic entered service first in 1986, 40 years before the MICA NG which entered service in 2026.