Denmark to restore ground-based air defense with MBDA VL MICA systems

Denmark has signed a contract with MBDA France to procure two VL MICA air defense systems, as part of an effort to re-establish a national ground-based air defense capability for the first time since 2004. 

The acquisition is being implemented under the Acceleration Fund, which was created to intensify defense investments in response to heightened security concerns. The goal is to have an initial capability in place by 2026. 

VL MICA systems for short-range protection 

#image_titleThe contract covers a refurbished French system and includes a 25% counter-purchase obligation to support Danish industry. Delivery is scheduled for mid-2026, with operational readiness expected by the end of that year.  

“The contract with MBDA France is an important step towards re-establishing a Danish ground-based air defense capability,” said Jan Toft, Head of Investment at the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO). “We are already preparing to implement the VL MICA system when it comes to Denmark, including hiring and training personnel and planning logistical support activities.” 

The VL MICA system, derived from the MICA air-to-air missile and already in service with six countries, offers 360° vertical launch coverage and can intercept targets at ranges of up to 20 kilometers. It utilizes a fire-and-forget missile that can be equipped with either an imaging infrared (IIR) or active radar (RF) seeker, allowing for the engagement of diverse threats, including low-signature targets such as cruise missiles and guided bombs. The system can fire salvos against multiple targets within seconds and is designed for rapid deployment and reloading in the field. 

France received its first two systems in June 2024, slightly over a year after the order was placed, to compensate for the transfer of two Crotale NG units to Ukraine. These systems were immediately deployed to secure the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. 

NASAMS lease to cover short-term gap 

In parallel, Denmark signed a leasing agreement in July 2025 for a NASAMS air defense system from Norway, supported by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. The system is expected to arrive by the end of 2025 and is anticipated to achieve operational capability around the turn of 2025–2026. 

“Building an initial ground-based air defense capacity as soon as possible is a priority to provide a degree of protection until the permanent solution is in place,” the Danish General Staff stated. 

Denmark has lacked a ground-based air defense system since the retirement of its HAWK units in 2004. In the meantime, air defense has relied on fighter aircraft and ship-based systems, leaving what the Danish General Staff described as a “vulnerability.” 

The renewed focus on air defense was introduced in the 2024-2033 Defense Agreement, which allocates about DKK 25 billion for long-range and short-range systems. 

RELATED

European countries to jointly acquire over 1,500 Mistral air defense missiles

For long-range air defense, Denmark is currently considering two options: the US-made Patriot PAC‑3 MSE and the Franco-Italian SAMP/T NG MAMBA developed by Eurosam (MBDA and Thales). The final selection is expected in 2025, with the selected system planned to enter service later in the decade. The post Denmark to restore ground-based air defense with MBDA VL MICA systems appeared first on AeroTime.

Go to Source