France Proves Impossible — Warship Shoots Down Air-To-Air Missile Mid-Flight
France conducted unique tests where an air-defense frigate intercepted a MICA-EM missile with an Aster 30, pushing the limits of its capabilities.
Recently, France carried out remarkable exercises during which the FREMM-class frigate Alsace intercepted a high-speed target using an Aster 30 surface-to-air missile.
The drills aimed to train the crew for high-intensity scenarios they may face in modern warfare. The high-speed target was launched from a Rafale fighter jet and turned out to be a MICA-EM air-to-air missile.
According to footage from the Rafale's cockpit, the frigate successfully intercepted this missile in flight.
The challenge was immense: the MICA-EM can reach speeds of up to Mach 4 (around 4,900 km/h), while the Aster 30 interceptor's maximum speed is about Mach 4.5 (roughly 5,500 km/h).
Author's summary: France tests air-defense capabilities.