A new photo of the Ukrainian Mirage 2000-5F multi-role fighter jet with an air-to-air missile, which had not previously been seen in service with these aircraft in Ukraine, is spreading on social media. The missile in the photo was reported as a MICA, though its true type is unconfirmed.
Ukrainian Mirage 2000-5F aircraft were expected to receive the MICA air-to-air missile as early as February 2025, when they were first delivered to Ukraine. The missile in the published photo closely resembles the MICA in its aerodynamic surface structure.
Read more: Ukrainian F-16 Jets in Action: Ukrainian Pilot Details Air Battles and Missile Evasions (Video)
However, this is not the only missile with such a design that can be used to arm the Mirage 2000-5F. The Super 530D is another missile that, at first glance, can be easily mistaken for the radar-guided MICA RF.
The Super 530D is a much older missile, which was gradually replaced by the MICA in the 1990s. The older missile features a maximum range of 40 km, a speed below Mach 5, and semi-active radar homing, which requires the aircraft to track the target until interception.
By contrast, the MICA RF has a maximum range of 80 km, a top speed of Mach 4, and uses active radar homing, making it significantly more advanced than its predecessor.
By contrast, the Super 530D is likely more affordable and relatively abundant in global stockpiles. Its characteristics should be sufficient to intercept Shahed drones or cruise missiles.
So what kind of missile was mounted on the Ukrainian Mirage 2000-5F? Given the poor image quality, it is extremely difficult to distinguish missiles from such a distance. Therefore, it will be easier to look at its suspension point.
The missile in the photo is mounted on a suspension point under the fuselage and is marked with the number 7. Judging by the documentation available on the Internet, as well as previously published photos, Super 530D missiles can only be mounted on suspension points numbered 2 and 8.
This means that the Super 530D probably cannot be mounted at this point. However, the MICA can be mounted on all hardpoints (including number 7), except for the central one, which is reserved for fuel tanks and guided bombs for striking ground targets.
Therefore, Ukrainian Mirage 2000-5F aircraft received MICA missiles for their arsenal. However, it is currently unknown which variant was received, as the homing was hidden in the photo, so it could be either the MICA RF or the MICA IR missiles.
The MICA RF and MICA IR share identical basic characteristics, including speed and range, so the above data applies to both variants.
In addition to MICA, the photo also shows an R550 Magic 2 missile with a range of up to 20 km and an infrared homing, which was probably used in all known videos of Mirage combat operations in Ukraine.
Read more: Türkiye's Unmanned Fighters Just Made History They're Ready for Air Defense Missions
