France invests €600M in advanced air defense systems upgrade
France will spend 600 million euros on air defense from 2024 to 2030. The focus is on the lower tier of defense, comprising the VL MICA and Serval systems. Here's what they can do.
In the coming years, France will purchase eight VL MICA system launchers for the Air and Space Force (Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace), two VBMR Serval systems for the Army (Armée de Terre), and Simbad RC (remotely controlled Mistral-3 missile launchers) for the Navy (Marine Nationale).
The VL MICA launchers will be particularly beneficial, filling the void left by delivering Crotale NG systems to Ukraine. Meanwhile, the VBMR Serval systems offer a versatile solution ideal for defending mobile columns from drones or helicopters.
VL MICA system — short-range versatility
The VL MICA systems, first tested in 2008, use air-to-air missiles similar to NASAMS. However, these MICA missiles are relatively unique. They operate between short and medium ranges and are available in two guidance versions: a radar-guided head and an electro-optical head that detects the target's thermal image. MICA missiles also have a communication link to maintain contact with the aircraft or launcher.
Their range is about 37-50 miles when used at high altitudes. However, when launched from the ground or water surface, where the air is denser, the effective range drops to 12 miles, similar to the AIM-120C AMRAAM. The maximum altitude for targeting MICA missiles, equipped with a 26-pound directional fragmentation warhead and a proximity fuse, is 6 miles.
A distinctive feature of MICA missiles is their ability to passively target without radar emissions if they receive target data without using radar. This applies to the IR variant.
The French also commend the vertical launch capability of the missiles, allowing the use of simple container launchers that hold four missiles, which two soldiers can reload in 15 minutes. Moreover, the entire system can be deployed or withdrawn in 10 minutes.
VLTP P Serval — a powerful firepower package in a small form as the last line of defense
The Serval systems acquired under the VLTP-P program are armored 4x4 vehicles equipped with a powerful unmanned turret armed with a 30 mm cannon and several Mistral-3 missile launchers.
This combination, when loaded with programmable ammunition, allows for combating drones or cruise missiles at distances currently 1-1.5 miles and ultimately 2 miles at a nominal cost. A five-shot series costs about 5,000 euros, and each missile features a shrapnel radius of 16 feet.
Mistral-3 missiles will be used for longer distances of up to 5 miles and altitudes of up to 3 miles. They travel at a speed of 2.71 Mach (approximately 3,050 ft/s) and destroy targets with a fragmentation warhead weighing about 7 pounds. The warhead is guided by an electro-optical head that detects the target's thermal image.
