MBDA’s VL MICA successfully fired by the Royal Navy of Oman from the Al Shamikh OPV

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Naval Defense Industry News - France, Oman
 
 
 
MBDA’s VL MICA successfully fired by the Royal Navy of Oman from the Al Shamikh OPV
 
The Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) has recently conducted an operational naval VL MICA missile firing from the Al Shamikh Ocean Patrol Vessel (OPV), a Khareef class constructed by BAE Systems.

This live firing took place at the French MoD’s test range off the coast of the Ile du Levant in the Mediterranean Sea under the supervision and control of the French DGA – EM (Direction Générale de l’Armement - Essais de Missiles).
     
The first warship built by BAE Systems for the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) as part of Project Khareef for the design, build and delivery of three corvettes, has been formally handed over in a ceremony at HM Naval Base Portsmouth on June 26th.
VL Mica Launch
Picutre: MBDA/Michel Hans
     
The VL MICA missile successfully intercepted and destroyed at very low altitude the target which was simulating a sea skimming anti-ship missile.

The success of this firing is evidence of the operational capability of the RNO with its new vessel and weapon system.

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.

Worldwide to date, 12 armed forces have selected the MICA missile.
     
The first warship built by BAE Systems for the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) as part of Project Khareef for the design, build and delivery of three corvettes, has been formally handed over in a ceremony at HM Naval Base Portsmouth on June 26th.
Khareef class Corvette
Picture: BAE System
     
Designed and built by BAE Systems, Khareef Class corvettes are equipped to defend against both surface and air threats with stealth features to operate undetected, an innovative hull design and electric propulsion to provide exceptional manoeuvrability. The ship is capable of undertaking a range of operations including coastal patrols, disaster relief, search and rescue, and deterrence operations.