Egypt Secures Groundbreaking Deal as First Global Buyer of MBDA’s Next-Gen VL MICA Air Defense System
MBDA has secured a contract from the Egyptian Navy for the VL MICA NG (New Generation) aerial defense system designed to outfitting its Egyptian corvettes.
Officially introduced in October 2020, the VL MICA NG system is predicated on the incorporation of the MICA NG (New Generation) missile into the existing VL MICA short and close-range air defense setup.
The VL MICA NG system provides enhanced capabilities to engage unconventional targets (UAVs, small aircraft) and future threats distinguished by increasingly stealthy infrared and radio frequency signatures. Furthermore, VL MICA NG will possess the ability to intercept ‘traditional’ targets (aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and anti-ship missiles) at extended ranges.
Eric Béranger, MBDA CEO, remarked: “This contract illustrates our Egyptian client’s trust in our VL MICA series, which is already utilized by 15 armed forces globally for the safeguarding of their naval and terrestrial units.”
The Egyptian Navy has already outfitted its four Gowind class corvettes, recently acquired from the French Naval Group shipyards, with systems from the VL MICA series.
