Missile Stock of French Rafales Deployed In U.A.E. Depleting Rapidly

France is reportedly assessing the rapid depletion of air-to-air missiles used by Rafale fighter jets deployed in the U.A.E. during operations against Iranian-made drones and cruise missiles.

According to the French newspaper La Tribune, intensive interception missions carried out in recent weeks have significantly reduced available stocks of MICA air-to-air missiles used by Rafale aircraft.

French military aircraft have been participating in the defense of the U.A.E. since the regional conflict began on February 28. The deployment operates under a defense agreement between Paris and Abu Dhabi that allows France to maintain a permanent presence at Al Dhafra Air Base.

Since 2016, the French presence at the base included six Rafale fighter jets. At the request of the Emiratis, the contingent was reinforced with six additional aircraft on March 4.

In recent weeks, Rafale aircraft reportedly intercepted dozens of Iranian-made drones, including Shaheds, and cruise missiles using MBDA MICA missiles.

The situation has been aggravated by previous supply limitations and production delays affecting the missile program. According to La Tribune, deliveries of previously ordered MICA missiles from MBDA’s facility in Selles-Saint-Denis have been delayed by around two years.

The issue has reportedly created pressure within the French defense establishment, with disagreements emerging between the General Staff and the General Directorate of Armaments, as well as between the Ministry of the Armed Forces and MBDA.

French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu has reportedly ordered a crisis meeting involving representatives from the General Staff, the General Directorate of Armaments, the Ministry of the Armed Forces, and MBDA to discuss possible solutions.

Officials are also examining alternative weapon options to sustain air defense operations during prolonged interception missions.

One option under consideration is the older R550 Magic 2 missile. Although it was withdrawn from French service in 2020, some remaining stocks have not been destroyed.

The missile is currently used on Dassault Mirage 2000-5F jets supplied by France to Ukraine against Russian Shahed drones.

The missile also remains in service in several countries. Greece uses it on Mirage 2000 aircraft, while Morocco operates it on Mirage F1 fighters. Romania previously used the missile on MiG-21 LanceR aircraft before retiring them in 2023. Reports indicate that countries including Peru and Brazil may also maintain stockpiles.

French defense planners are also examining longer-term responses to the increasing use of low-cost drones in combat.

A future upgrade of the Rafale fighter jet, known as the Rafale F5 standard, is expected to include lightweight guided missiles carried in multi-tube launchers designed to counter drone threats. The concept, unveiled during the Paris Air Show 2025, includes guided 68 mm rockets. The Rafale F5 configuration is currently planned to enter service around 2035.