Morocco has received the first two VL MICA ground-based air defence (GBAD) systems it ordered from French MBDA in 2020.
The VL MICA systems were ordered in 2020 at a cost of 192 million euros, along with several other weapon systems.
The VL MICA system in its land-based configuration consists of a series of truck-mounted elements, including a tactical operations center, Sagem SIGMA 30 radar, and launcher vehicles that can carry between three and six multi-round launchers with the missiles in clusters of four rounds.
The new VL MICA short-range air defence acquisition will further strengthen the country’s aerial defence structure, particularly in Rabat, the country’s capital city.
In June, the Moroccan military built an air defense base in Sidi Yahya El- Gharb, which is located northeast of the capital Rabat.
Sidi Yahia el-Gharb base area is located in the middle of the major Moroccan metropolises, an area that contains several sensitive and strategic areas.
Rabat has acquired quite a potent mix of air defence equipment, which includes American-made MIM-104 Patriot, Sky Dragon 50 medium-range surface-to-air missiles, and land-based vertical launched French MBDA VL MICA.
The MIM-104 Patriots were recently approved by the U.S. government under a wider strengthening of the country’s aerial defence structure, which also includes the procurement of a new Chinese made Sky Dragon 50 medium-ranged air defence system, delivered to the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces on December, 2017.
In 2017 and 2021, China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (commonly referred to as NORINCO) delivered 24 Sky Dragon 50 medium-range surface-to-air missiles, the DK-9 short-range air defense system, and a number of long range FD-2000B air defence systems to Morocco.