To reestablish its ground-based air defense capabilities, Denmark has awarded MBDA France a contract to deliver two VL MICA systems, with delivery planned for mid-2026 and operational readiness expected by year’s end. This move follows the 2004 phase-out of the Hawk system and forms part of a wider 6 billion DKK ($919 million) defense modernization initiative that also includes Germany’s IRIS-T SLM and a leased NASAMS system from Norway.
The VL MICA system operates via a vehicle-mounted tactical operations center connected to a 3D radar and several vertical launch units, all mounted on separate vehicles. A single launcher can simultaneously fire four missiles at separate targets in just six seconds.
Designed for rapid deployment, the system becomes fully operational within 10 minutes and allows reloading in 15 minutes with a two-person team. It provides full 360-degree protection and is capable of engaging targets at distances of up to 20 kilometers and altitudes of 30,000 feet. The VL MICA is also the only missile of its kind that can be outfitted with either a passive infrared or an active radar seeker.
