MBDA has signed a development contract to supply the Italian Army with a very short-range air defence (VSHORAD) system. The announcement was made at the Paris Air Show, currently taking place in Le Bourget from June 16-20, 2025. MBDA also officially revealed the name of the new missile at the heart of the system: FULGUR. This solution directly addresses an operational need identified by the Italian Army.
FULGUR is a supersonic, man-portable, fire-and-forget interceptor capable of operating in all weather conditions, day or night. It is equipped with an advanced seeker featuring image processing, enabling it to effectively neutralize threats such as small drones, helicopters, and fighter aircraft. The missile fully meets NATO standards, with the first delivery of the missile and launcher expected in early 2028.
The FULGUR missile will also be integrated into SKY WARDEN, MBDA’s modular and scalable counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) solution. As part of MBDA’s broader European air defence portfolio, FULGUR will enhance the company’s multi-layered defence offerings, from VSHORAD to anti-hypersonic and anti-ballistic systems.
In addition to its portability, FULGUR offers tactical flexibility when mounted on vehicles such as the IDV VTLM2 with Leonardo turrets, 8×8 platforms, or future armoured systems with automated turrets. The missile is also designed for air launch applications, including potential integration on helicopters.
