- Yes
- No (Explain why)
Suggestion No.94
G’day lads. I want to suggest a shorter range, yet still highly lethal system from France, utilising the known MICA AAM. Of course, I’m talking about the VL MICA :)
Description:
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The VL MICA is a ground-based air defense system developed by MBDA France, capable of engaging aerial threats including aircraft, UAVs, cruise missiles, and guided munitions. It uses vertically launched MICA missiles with either active radar (RF) or infrared (IR) seekers, providing 360-degree coverage and FnF capability. Of course, if you played the game, MICA’s are quite effective, and this is no exception. The system includes a mobile launcher with up to four missiles, a tactical operations center, and a radar unit. It offers rapid deployment, high maneuverability via thrust vectoring, and a maximum range of around 20km.
History:
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Development of the MICA missile began in 1982 by Matra as a replacement for the Super 530 and Magic II missiles used by the French Air Force. It was designed to fulfill both interception and close-combat roles, putting all capabilities into a single platform. The first test launches occurred in 1991, and the missile entered service in 1996 with the Rafale and Mirage 2000. After Matra merged into MBDA, the missile continued under MBDA France, which expanded its integration across multiple platforms. In 2007, a MICA was demonstrated with its over-the-shoulder launch capability using Link 16 data from another aircraft.
VL MICA on the other hand was conceived in the early 2000s as a surface-launched adaptation of the air-to-air missile. It had no differences compared to the air launched MICA. MBDA presented it publicly in 2000 at the Asian Aerospace show.
The first vertical launch tests were conducted in France, and by 2008, the system had completed 14 successful firings, including a final test at CELM Biscarosse in October 2008. VL MICA was adopted by several countries for ground-based and naval air defense. In 2005, MBDA received a contract to develop VL MICA for French forces, and a demonstration in 2006 showed successful interception of a sea skimming target from a naval platform. VL MICA NG was later introduced with upgraded seekers and electronics to meet newer threats, although it’s still not in service. In 2025, Denmark signed a contract to acquire VL MICA as part of its air defense modernization program.
Armaments:
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4 MICA RF/IR per launcher. All 4 missiles can go after different targets.
The radar that it uses is a Ground Master 200 (GM 200)
Specifications:
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The MICA VL can be carried on lots of different trucks, but the most common one in France would be the Renault Kerax 6x6. Note that this is about the truck itself only, without the MICA VL system. Anyway, the Kerax has a length of 8.28m, a width of 2.55m and a height of 3.55m. Its tare weight is around 15760kg, with a maximum weight of 26000kg. Powering it is a 370hp engine.
Sources:
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Janes Air Launched Weapons 2003
https://www.mbda-systems.com/media/19270/download
VL MICA anti-aircraft missile system | Missilery.info
Renault Kerax 370 Dci 6X6 370.34 6X6 Dumper Heavy Duty - TrucksNL
Thanks a lot for reading! If you have any extra information, then feel free to share them in the replies! As always, have a good day :)