France boosts air defence with €600 million investment
France will invest 600 million euros in air defence from 2024 to 2030. The focus is on the lower tier of defence, which includes the VL MICA and Serval systems. Here's an overview of their capabilities.
In the coming years, France will acquire 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 benefit France by addressing the capability gap 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, utilize air-to-air missiles like NASAMS. These unique MICA missiles operate at short to medium ranges and come in two guidance versions: a radar-guided head and an electro-optical head that detects the target's thermal image. They also have a communication link that ensures contact with the aircraft or launcher.
MICA missiles range from about 60 to 81 kilometres when used at high altitudes. However, when launched from the ground or water surface, where the air is denser, the effective range drops to 19 kilometres, similar to the AIM-120C AMRAAM. The maximum altitude for targeting MICA missiles, which feature a 12-kilogram directional fragmentation warhead and a proximity fuse, is 10 kilometres.
A unique aspect of MICA missiles is their ability to target passively without radar emissions if they receive target data without utilizing radar. This applies to the IR variant.
The French also highlight the missiles' vertical launch capability. They allow simple container launchers that hold four missiles, which two soldiers can replace in 15 minutes. Additionally, the entire system can be deployed or retracted in 10 minutes.
VLTP P Serval — a powerful firepower package in a small form as the last line of defence
The Serval systems acquired under the VLTP-P program are armoured 4x4 vehicles equipped with a powerful unmanned turret, a 30 mm cannon, and multiple Mistral-3 missile launchers.
When loaded with programmable ammunition, this combination allows for combating drones or cruise missiles at distances currently 1.5 to 2.5 kilometres and eventually up to 3 kilometres for a nominal cost. A five-shot series costs about 5,000 euros, and each missile has a shrapnel radius of 5 metres.
Mistral-3 missiles will be used for longer distances of up to 8 kilometres and altitudes of up to 5 kilometres. They travel at 3,050 feet per second (about 931 metres) and destroy the target with a fragmentation warhead weighing around 3 kilograms. The missile is guided by an electro-optical head that sees the target's thermal image.
