The Tiger Squadron of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully fired the recently acquired BVR (Beyond Visual Range) air - to - air MICA missile on a target from an upgraded Mirage - 2000 aircraft, an official statement said on Saturday.
"The missile achieved a direct hit on a target which was much smaller than an actual aircraft and flying at low altitude.
The target was destroyed on impact, validating the missile's launch envelope, " the statement said.
The IAF has become one of the few air forces in the world with the capability of such missile.
"The operational success of this mission confirms a critical capability of Indian Air Force, " the release said.
India purchased 450 MICAs from European missile major MBDA as part of the Mirage 2000 upgrade deal from France in 2012 for $1. 23 billion.
The MICA will be mounted on the 36 Rafale combat jets that India is purchasing from France, the deal for which was inked on September 23.
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