MICA NG vs PL-15

Overview

The MICA NG and the PL-15 are both Air-to-Air missiles.

Range is 112 km for the MICA NG vs 200 km for the PL-15. The MICA NG reaches 4,939 km/h vs 6,125 km/h for the PL-15. Launch weight is 112 kg for the MICA NG vs 210 kg for the PL-15. The MICA NG uses Inertial, two-way datalink, active AESA radar or imaging infrared homing guidance, while the PL-15 relies on Active radar homing.

The PL-15 entered service 10 years before the MICA NG (2016 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
Chinese air-to-air missile, entered service in 2016, guided by active radar homing.
Origin 🇨🇳 China
Category Air-to-Air
Type Beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile
Manufacturer China Airborne Missile Academy (CAMA)
Service year 2016
Number produced -- units
Estimated unit price NA
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 200.0 km
Maximum speed Mach 5.0
Weight 210 kg
Warhead -- kg
Length 4.00 m
Diameter 203 mm
Guidance Active radar homing
Warhead type --

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has longer range, the MICA NG or PL-15?
The PL-15 has a longer range at 200 km compared to the MICA NG's 112 km.
Which is faster, the MICA NG or PL-15?
The PL-15 is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 5.0 compared to the MICA NG's Mach 4.0.
Which has a larger warhead, the MICA NG or PL-15?
The MICA NG carries a larger warhead at 12 kg compared to the PL-15's 0 kg.
Which is heavier, the MICA NG or PL-15?
The PL-15 is heavier at 210 kg compared to the MICA NG's 112 kg.
Which is longer, the MICA NG or PL-15?
The PL-15 is longer at 4.00 meters compared to the MICA NG's 3.10 meters.
What guidance systems do the MICA NG and PL-15 use?
The MICA NG uses Inertial, two-way datalink, active AESA radar or imaging infrared homing guidance while the PL-15 uses Active radar homing guidance.
Which entered service first, the MICA NG or PL-15?
The PL-15 entered service first in 2016, 10 years before the MICA NG which entered service in 2026.