MBDA has signed a development contract to supply the Italian Army with a new very short-range air defence (VSHORAD) system. The announcement was made during the Paris Air Show, held from June 16-20, 2025, where MBDA also introduced the system’s missile, named FULGUR, developed to meet the Italian Army’s specific operational requirements.
FULGUR is a man-portable, supersonic, fire-and-forget interceptor capable of operating in all weather conditions, day or night. It is equipped with a seeker featuring advanced image processing technology and is designed to counter threats such as small drones, helicopters, and fighter aircraft. Fully NATO-compliant, the system is scheduled for initial delivery in early 2028.
The missile will also be integrated into SKY WARDEN, MBDA’s modular and scalable counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) solution. FULGUR is a key addition to MBDA’s portfolio of air defence products, supporting the development of a European multi-layered defence system from VSHORAD to anti-ballistic and anti-hypersonic capabilities.
Thanks to its portability, FULGUR offers tactical flexibility when mounted on military vehicles. It is designed for integration with platforms like the IDV VTLM2 fitted with Leonardo turrets, as well as 8×8 armoured vehicles or future platforms with automated turrets. FULGUR can also be air-launched or fitted to helicopters.
