MBDA has signed a development contract to equip the Italian Army with a very short-range air defence (VSHORAD) system during the Paris Air Show, currently taking place at Le Bourget from 16-20 June 2025.

At the same event, MBDA also unveiled the name of the missile at the core of the system – ‘Fulgur’ – developed in response to an operational requirement expressed by the Italian Army.

According to the official announcement, Fulgur is a man-portable, supersonic, fire-and-forget interceptor capable of operating in all weather conditions, both day and night. It is equipped with a seeker featuring image-processing capabilities and is designed to counter a range of threats, including small drones, helicopters, and fighter jets.

Its features and performances are fully compliant with NATO standards. The first delivery of the operational missile and man-portable launcher is expected in early 2028.

Fulgur will also be integrated into Sky Warden, MBDA’s modular, scalable, and evolvable flagship system for countering unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS). 

Building on MBDA’s extensive expertise in the design and development of air defence systems, the new missile will enhance the company’s contribution to a European multi-layered air defence capability – from very short-range to anti-ballistic and anti-hypersonic defence.

Being man-portable, Fulgur also offers a tactical advantage when mounted on military vehicles. The missile has been designed for easy integration onto current platforms such as the IDV VTLM2 with Leonardo turrets, as well as 8×8 and other armoured platforms, or future vehicles equipped with automated turrets.

Fulgur can also be air-launched and is suitable for integration onto helicopters.

Also read: Ground Warden Vehicle | MBDA’s cutting-edge solution with missiles, loitering munitions and drones – Video & Photos