SHAH ALAM: MBDA announces the commercial launch of its new VL MICA NG air defence system, on the occasion of the Euronaval-Online exhibition on 19 October.The VL MICA NG system is based on the integration into the existing VL MICA system of the MICA NG (New Generation) anti-air missile, which began development in 2018 primarily to equip France’s Rafale combat aircraft.
The VL MICA system family – now adopted, in its naval or land-based versions, by 15 armed forces around the world – will consequently benefit from enhanced potential to counter future threats.
About the VL MICA NG system, MBDA CEO Eric Béranger declared: “After two years of development on the New Generation MICA missile, we have acquired a deep understanding of the performance of this brand new air-to-air missile which allows us, in full confidence, to market its integration into VL MICA ground-to-air or surface-to-air defence systems. The total compatibility between the two generations of missile will allow armed forces to combine them with their existing systems, thus maximizing their return on investments.”
Thanks to the technological innovations it incorporates, the new VL MICA NG system offers improved capabilities to handle atypical targets (UAVs, small aircraft) as well as future threats, characterised by increasingly low observable infrared and radio frequency signatures. Additionally, it will be able to intercept at longer distances the ‘conventional’ targets (aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and anti-ship missiles) already addressed by the current VL MICA system.
The dimensions of the MICA NG munition remain unchanged, allowing it to be integrated into existing VL MICA launchers. The existing missile data link mechanisms are compatible with the increased kinematic performance of the missiles, enabling current VL MICA systems to be upgraded to VL MICA NG standard by simple software updates.
About the MICA NG missile
Based on an entirely new design, the MICA NG missile inherits the external dimensions and unique concept that has made the MICA anti-air missile such a success for a quarter of a century. This concept means MICA features either an infrared or a radio frequency seeker on the same common missile body, allowing the operator, at the moment of firing, to select the best option to respond to the tactics adopted by the adversary.
On the MICA NG, a new infrared seeker based on a matrix sensor will provide increased sensitivity, while a new radio frequency seeker with an active electronically scanned antenna (AESA) will allow for smart detection strategies. The lower volume of electronic components will enable the MICA NG to carry a larger load of propellant, significantly extending its range, and the new dual-pulse rocket motor will provide additional energy to the missile at the end of its flight, improving its manoeuvrability and its ability to intercept targets at long range. In surface-to-air mode, the MICA NG will be able to intercept targets over 40 km away. Finally, maintenance and ownership costs will be significantly reduced thanks to internal sensors that will monitor the status of the munition throughout its life cycle.
The MICA NG missile will be available in series production from 2026.
— Malaysian Defence
View Comments (23)
Basically, an operator only need to buy the missile without any upgrade on the system.
Range 40km....
Not bad....not bad at all. Better than aster 15.
At last the Mica NG, RMN should equipped this missiles into our new Maharaja Lela class multi mission Frigates. As for Jebat class, recommend Sea Captor CAMM ER to replaced Sea Wolf....
Basically the MICA NG has the pulsed rocket motor, rather than the continuous burn rocket motor of the current missile. The pulsed operation increases the burn time, thus increasing the range. So now the MICA NG can be considered a medium range missile (with similar or better range to the aster 15, in MBDA literature more than 40km, with ESSM as the benchmark), rather than just the short range missile it was before, while maintaining the same size.
Now on our naval and ground air defence in relation to this new missile.
Probably it is an unexpected advantage for us to still has not bought the air defence missiles for the ill-fated Gowind programme.
IMO getting either the MICA NG or the CAMM (with the disadvantage of a shorter range but a missile that is system agnostic, can be used with any systems) would be good for our frigates, with the same missile to be also bought for GAPU Jernas replacement.
For the range, yes VL MICA NG would have the upper hand. This would also vindicate the choice for VL MICA in lieu of the ESSM preferred originally by TLDM, now the VL MICA NG has the same range.
Now the next question. We have heard that BND has put a price of about RM12 billion to complete all 6 Gowinds, with unknown deadline for it. Is that worth it? Can we even afford batch 2 of the Gowinds?
http://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/newsbreak-boustead-seeks-more-funds-complete-rm9-bil-lcs-project
IMO we need at least 9 ASW frigates of the same design, to have at least 3 at sea at all times. Then post 2030 another 4 larger multi purpose frigates to be our flagship to replace both Lekiu and Kasturi classes.
Probably it is also the right time for us to reconsider equipping our Su-30MKM with MICA NG, as it is now a missile with similar range of the RVV-AE. It was originally dropped due to cost consideration.
http://www.flightglobal.com/malaysia-and-sukhoi-pick-su-30mkm-suppliers/59138.article
IAF recently (August 2020) successfully tested the launch of MICA from their own Su-30MKI
http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2020/aug/19/iaf-test-fires-air-to-air-missiles-ahead-of-rafale-integration-2185422.html
We can actually have a potent MRCA capability even with our current MKMs, while putting our money in LCAs to enable our airforce to afford to undertake fundamental taskings like regular air patrols and 24/7/365 QRA sentry, which has been neglected for so long now.
A silver lining to the delayed purchase of VL MICA. Now we should restart the MICA purchase by getting the MICA NG instead.
12bil for 6 lcs? No thank you..their initial ceiling price were already absurd now they wanna make it to RM2 bill pership..lol...we are going into circle with this debacle
Off topic
Beautiful pictures of MEKO sisterships doing PASSEX in Sabah.
http://pbs.twimg.com/media/EkreLGdVkAImJDT?format=jpg&name=4096x4096
http://pbs.twimg.com/media/EkreLGnVMAE6rb4?format=jpg&name=4096x4096
Thanks for those beautiful photos of KD Perak and HMAS Arunta.
Hey Marhalim, didn’t I say 2 years ago I suspected the TLDM was waiting for the Mica NG? Good news I suppose but remember the NG won’t be available till 2026!
@ tom tom
We don't even know if all 6 Gowinds or something else would be available by 2026!
"At last the Mica NG, RMN should equipped this missiles into our new Maharaja Lela class multi mission Frigates. As for Jebat class, recommend Sea Captor CAMM ER to replaced Sea Wolf…."
Good that MICA in another 6years have incoming new version NG, maybe MBDA have new upgrades for CAMM too by that time, who knows.
New SAM is IMHO at very bottom of MAF "shopping list". Till now no firm decision on MICA, high probality Maharajalela sail off without its SAM. Whether Maharajalela sail off or not is also currently a big if.