Mica vs R550 Magic II
The Mica and the R550 Magic II are both Air-to-Air missiles. The Mica has a range of 80 km — 4.0x the R550 Magic II's 20 km. The Mica reaches 4,900 km/h vs 3,334 km/h for the R550 Magic II. The Mica carries a 12 kg warhead vs 12.5 kg for the R550 Magic II. Launch weight is 112 kg for the Mica vs 89 kg for the R550 Magic II. The Mica uses Inertial, radar active or infrared guidance, while the R550 Magic II relies on Infrared homing. The Mica has been produced in 1,110 units vs 11,300 for the R550 Magic II. Unit cost is $1.5M for the Mica vs $0.09M for the R550 Magic II. The R550 Magic II entered service 39 years before the Mica (1986 vs 2025).
| 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 |
| French air-to-air missile, entered service in 1986, uses 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 | 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 |
| Range | 20.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 2.7 ◉ |
| Weight | 89 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 12.5 kg ◉ |
| Length | 2.75 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 157 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Infrared homing |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the Mica or R550 Magic II?
The Mica has a longer range at 80 km compared to the R550 Magic II's 20 km.
Which is faster, the Mica or R550 Magic II?
The Mica is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 4.0 compared to the R550 Magic II's Mach 2.7.
Which has a larger warhead, the Mica or R550 Magic II?
The R550 Magic II carries a larger warhead at 12 kg compared to the Mica's 12 kg.
Which is heavier, the Mica or R550 Magic II?
The Mica is heavier at 112 kg compared to the R550 Magic II's 89 kg.
Which is longer, the Mica or R550 Magic II?
The Mica is longer at 3.10 meters compared to the R550 Magic II's 2.75 meters.
What guidance systems do the Mica and R550 Magic II use?
The Mica uses Inertial, radar active or infrared guidance while the R550 Magic II uses Infrared homing guidance.
Which entered service first, the Mica or R550 Magic II?
The R550 Magic II entered service first in 1986, 39 years before the Mica which entered service in 2025.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Mica or R550 Magic II?
The R550 Magic II has been produced in greater numbers with 11,300 units compared to 1,110 units of the Mica.