Denmark has contracted MBDA France to supply a pair of VL (vertically launched) MICA air defense systems.
Delivery is expected in mid-2026 and initial capability by the end of the year.
The procurement is part of an effort to revive Denmark’s ground-based air defense capabilities, following the decommissioning of the Hawk air defense system in 2004.
In addition to the short-range French system, Copenhagen is buying the German IRIS-T SLM and leasing the Norwegian NASAMS for 6 billion Danish kroner (approximately $919 million).
Both systems offer air defense coverage at short to medium ranges.
“The contract with MBDA France is an important step towards re-establishing a Danish ground-based air defense capability,” head of the Investment Division at the Danish defense procurement agency Jan Toft said.
“We are already in full swing preparing to be ready to implement the VL MICA system when it comes to Denmark.
This includes hiring, preparing and training personnel, purchasing and preparing support equipment, and planning logistical support activities. It runs in parallel with preparation of the leased Norwegian NASAMS system, which is also part of the initial acquisition.”
For long-range requirements, the country is reportedly considering two options: the US-made Patriot and the Franco-Italian SAMP/T NG. A final decision is expected this year.
VL MICA
The VL MICA is based on a vehicle-mounted tactical operations center for command, control, and coordination.
The mobile center remotely controls a tri-dimensional radar mounted on a separate vehicle and three to six vertical launchers also mounted on separate vehicles.
A single launcher can fire a salvo of four missiles against corresponding targets in six seconds.
The system provides 360-degree coverage against a range of targets and takes a mere 10 minutes to deploy and 15 minutes to reload the launcher with the help of two operators.
The missile’s interception range is 20 kilometers (12 miles) and interception altitude is 30,000 feet (9,144 meters).
It is the only missile in the world that can be fitted either with a passive imaging infrared or an active radio frequency seeker.
