Royal Navy of Oman fires MBDA’s VL MICA missile
MBDA’s VL MICA missile has been successfully operationally fired from the Royal Navy of Oman’s (RNO’s) Al Shamikh Ocean Patrol Vessel (OPV).
The firing took place off the coast of the Ile du Levant in the Mediterranean Sea at the French DGA’s test range under the supervision and control of the DGA-EM.
According to MBDA, the firing saw the VL MICA missile successfully intercept and destroy the target at very low altitude. The target was simulating a sea skimming anti-ship missile.
VL MICA is the latest generation of air defence systems and deploys the MICA missile vertically launched from a canister which serves for both storage and launch purposes. In its naval version, VL MICA provides both area air defence as well as self-defence of the host vessel. MICA fire-and-forget missiles can be equipped with either IR or radar seekers and are capable of dealing with the full range of airborne threats as well as saturating attacks.
The company said the success of this firing is evidence of the operational capability of the RNO with its new vessel and weapon system.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping
The rMCM programme will ultimately comprise of 12 vessels, six each working for the Belgian and the Royal Netherlands Navy.
-
Long-delayed polar icebreaker programme gets cash and impetus boost
The US Government has awarded a significant contract to move along its Polar Security Cutter programme.
-
Avalon 2025: Kongsberg confirms its first Australian missile factory
The deal, which has been planned since August 2024, is part of an ongoing attempt to bolster Australia’s defences against the potential of Chinese aggression.
-
TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid
Four shipbuilders have been downselected to build the frigate replacement programme, and TKMS hopes the new deal will give it a geographical advantage.
-
As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?
The tripartite submarine project is under political pressure from a grass-roots Australian Labor Party movement, but it could also have practical issues in its way.
-
Newest Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyer launched and ready for fitting
DDG 129, which will become the USS Jeremiah Denton on commissioning, was moved to dry dock to begin its technical fitting and testing.