France faces the challenge of running out of MICA missiles while intercepting Shahed UAVs.
The French Air Force is rapidly depleting its stockpile of expensive MICA missiles to counter cheaper drones, causing internal tensions.
The French Aerospace Forces are facing a difficult economic and logistical challenge in having to use expensive air-to-air missiles to destroy inexpensive unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Pressure from the war of attrition with the Shahed UAV
Over the past two weeks, pilots of French Dassault Rafale and Mirage 2000 fighter jets have intercepted dozens of Iranian-made Shahed suicide drones. This effort aims to protect strategic targets in the region but also exposes gaps in long-term defense strategy.
The active use of modern weapon systems has led to a rapid depletion of MICA missile stockpiles. This situation directly pressures the combat capabilities of the French Aerospace Forces and creates tension throughout the structure of the Ministry of Defence and arms suppliers.
Internal tensions over arms supply strategy.
The depletion of missile stockpiles has sparked disputes and mutual accusations between the Armed Forces General Staff (EMA), the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), and the MBDA manufacturing corporation. Notably, MBDA had nearly two years to manufacture additional MICA missiles to replenish its reserves, but progress has still not met operational requirements.
Faced with the urgent situation, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, a former Minister of Defence, convened an emergency meeting. The goal of the meeting was to find long-term solutions to enhance production capacity and protect national stockpiles from UAV threats.
In addition, the EMA criticized the DGA for its遅延 in finding cheaper alternatives to destroy inexpensive UAVs like the Shahed. Using a multi-million dollar MICA missile to intercept a UAV costing only tens of thousands of dollars was considered economically unsustainable.
Conversely, the DGA expressed caution in not wanting to supply weapon systems from new, unproven suppliers. This could lead to risks regarding the reliability and combat effectiveness of the armed forces.
Meanwhile, the Department of Defence focused its criticism on MBDA for its lack of foresight regarding future orders, which stalled deliveries. However, MBDA insisted it could only ramp up production after formal contracts were signed.
Deployment of military operations in the Middle East
To protect military facilities and allies, France has deployed squadrons of Rafale and Mirage 2000 aircraft to the UAE. The decision to conduct active patrols was made immediately after a French base in the region was attacked by drones.
Most of the French Air Force is stationed at Al Dhafra base, near Abu Dhabi. From this base, fighter jets continuously conduct sorties to neutralize large-scale Iranian UAV attacks targeting objectives in the Persian Gulf.
Currently, France is carefully studying the experience from the Ukrainian battlefield to optimize UAV interception. One option being seriously considered is using integrated air cannons on fighter jets instead of relying entirely on expensive guided missiles.
