French newspaper Tribune reported on 31/3 that most of Iran's Shahed-series suicide drones (UAVs) were shot down by Rafale fighter jets over the Persian Gulf before entering United Arab Emirates (UAE) airspace. It remains unclear how many Iranian aircraft the French squadron downed with the expended missiles.
With each MICA missile costing USD 691,000-806,000, the total cost of MICA missiles used by French fighter jets is estimated at USD 55-65 million. In contrast, each Iranian Shahed-136 UAV is estimated to cost USD 20,000-50,000, depending on the variant.
The French Ministry of Defense has not commented on this information.
On 3/3, the French military announced that Rafale fighter jets stationed in the UAE were deployed to counter Iranian attacks, protecting their bases in the host country. French media reported that at least 12 Rafale jets undertook this mission.
The number of engagements requiring Rafale jets to fire 4-6 MICA missiles in the last two weeks of march was significantly lower compared to the beginning of the conflict. The US-based Institute for the Study of War suggested this indicates that Iran's UAV and missile deployment capabilities suffered damage from intense airstrikes conducted by the US and Israel.
However, the number of MICA missiles fired by French fighter jets is still considered excessive, leading to interception costs disproportionate to the value of the targets. The French Ministry of Defense recently decided to use Fennec and Caracal armed helicopters equipped with 12,7 mm guns to counter Iranian UAVs.
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MICA missile on a French Rafale fighter jet in a july 2007 photo. Photo: Wikimedia |
This alternative is considered less expensive than using fighter jets with MICA missiles, as French forces can utilize familiar and cheaper weapons. This also helps preserve expensive air-to-air missile stockpiles for important targets or more challenging missions.
However, using helicopters against UAVs is not a widely applicable solution. It achieves maximum effectiveness only in defensive operations around bases or locations requiring strict protection. This operation also depends on radar surveillance networks, weather, visibility, crew proficiency, and is unsuitable for protecting remote areas.
The MICA air-to-air missile, inducted by France in 1996, weighs more than 110 kg, carries a 12 kg warhead, and has a range of 60-80 km when launched from a fighter jet. The missile is equipped with either an active radar or infrared seeker, depending on the variant.
Nguyen Tien (According to Tribune, AFP, Army Recognition)
