The Indian Air Force (IAF) has inked a contract with the European missile maker, MBDA, for locally carrying out the “maintenance, repair and mid-life overhaul (MRO)” of MICA missiles.The Rafale jets and Mirage jets of the IAF carry the MICA missiles. Classified as ‘beyond visual range’ missiles in military parlance, MICA missiles have a range of almost 80 km when fired from the jet in air.The European firm on Wednesday said the MRO facility would be set up, operated and maintained by the Air Force, with the MBDA supplying the industrial machinery and tools required, data packages, as well as training and technical support.“Developing these facilities locally will foster long-term capability building, secure technical expertise for future and develop India’s strategic autonomy,” the MBDA said, adding that the facilities would reflect the core principles of Atmanirbhar Bharat.This facility will help India’s domestic defence sustainment effort, and improve turnaround times, with capacity to support MICA missiles throughout the duration of their time in service, significantly enhancing the operational capability and readiness of the Indian armed forces.India and the MBDA share a long history of partnership in equipping the IAF, going back to the early days of air-to-air missiles. The IAF has, for long, relied on the MBDA’s missile systems to provide the latest air combat performance across a number of aircraft types.The MBDA said it would be providing the highest performing missile technologies to the Indian forces. “We remain committed to ‘Make in India’ and to deliver both industrial sovereignty and the best military equipment to New Delhi,” the firm said.