Malaysia Moves Closer to VL MICA Missile Procurement for Littoral Combat Ships
The Malaysian Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has issued a Letter of Acceptance (SST) to MBDA France for the procurement of the VL MICA surface-to-air missile system, finalized during the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow 2026. The document was signed by MINDEF Secretary-General Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali. The procurement is a complementary contract for the Royal Malaysian Navy's Maharaja Lela-class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program, providing point-defence air defence capabilities. A formal contract is still pending. MBDA confirmed the letter of agreement and stressed the need for a signed contract to secure manufacturing timelines. The VL MICA system offers 360-degree, all-weather point defence against anti-ship missiles, aircraft, and UAVs, with a range of up to 20 km. The LCS program has faced delays, with the first ship starting sea trials in April 2026 and the third vessel launched in February 2026.
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