The VL MICA naval air defence system provides an unmatched self and local-area defence capability. It is currently deployed by navies around the world as the sole or main air defence system on board a wide range of surface vessels.
The VL MICA system deploys the unique MICA missile, which is the only missile in the world equipped with two, interoperable, state-of-the-art seekers (Imaging IR or active RF), providing superior features to counter all types of threat (anti-ship missiles, aircraft, helicopter, PGMs, smart-bombs, etc.)
VL MICA offers a very high single-shot kill probability and simultaneous multiple-shot capability (autonomous guidance, extremely high firing rate).
Operated from the ship combat system using existing air defence sensors, VL MICA has no need for a dedicated fire control system.
The missile is stored and vertically launched from its individual storage container (no need for a VLS) providing 360° engagement coverage. Several ship programmes have been carried out that have demonstrated how the modularity and compact nature of VL MICA facilitate the system's installation on a wide range of warships, both new-build and retrofit.
In addition to VL MICA's many operational advantages, low maintenance, reduced manpower requirements and very long service life are key features.