At the 2025 Paris Air Show, MBDA announced the signing of a development contract to deliver a very short-range air defence (VSHORAD) system for the Italian Army. As part of this contract, MBDA unveiled FULGUR, the missile at the core of the system, developed in direct response to the Italian Army’s operational needs.
FULGUR is a supersonic, man-portable missile with fire-and-forget capability and all-weather, day and night operation. Featuring a seeker with image processing, it is capable of intercepting threats including small drones, helicopters, and fighter aircraft. The system is fully compliant with NATO standards, and the first deliveries of the missile and its portable launcher are expected in early 2028.
FULGUR will also form part of MBDA’s SKY WARDEN counter-UAS solution, enhancing the company’s contribution to a layered European air defence architecture. The system will complement MBDA’s growing air defence portfolio, from VSHORAD to anti-hypersonic and anti-ballistic systems.
Its design allows FULGUR to be easily deployed from both dismounted positions and military vehicles, including the IDV VTLM2 with Leonardo turrets, 8×8 armoured vehicles, and future platforms with automated turrets. Additionally, FULGUR can be integrated on helicopters or launched from the air.
