At the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget (June 16-20, 2025), MBDA announced the signing of a development contract to deliver a very short-range air defence (VSHORAD) system to the Italian Army. During the announcement, MBDA also introduced FULGUR, the newly developed missile that will form the core of this system, specifically designed to meet Italian Army operational requirements.
FULGUR is a supersonic, man-portable, fire-and-forget interceptor with day-and-night, all-weather capability. It features a sophisticated seeker with image processing technology to counter a range of threats, including small drones, helicopters, and fighter aircraft. Fully compliant with NATO standards, the missile system is scheduled for first deliveries in early 2028.
FULGUR will also be integrated into MBDA’s SKY WARDEN system, a flexible and modular counter-UAS solution. The addition of FULGUR will strengthen MBDA’s European multi-layered air defence architecture, which spans from VSHORAD systems to anti-hypersonic and anti-ballistic solutions.
Designed for versatility, FULGUR can be mounted on existing military vehicles like the IDV VTLM2 with Leonardo turrets, as well as on 8×8 and future armoured platforms with automated turrets. The missile is also air-launch capable, making it adaptable for deployment from helicopters.
