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Fulgur (missile)

The Fulgur is a very short-range air defence system developed by MBDA for the Italian Army.

Origins

The FIM-92 Stinger was approaching the end of its service life in the Italian Armed Forces in the early 2020s. Italy was considering a successor. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine (full scale 2022), with the multiplication of aerial threats with several types of drones, Italy considered that a large quantity of systems was necessary, and launched a programme in collaboration with MBDA.

Programme history

Project unveiled

In 2024, at the Farnborough Air Show, MBDA unveiled a new MANPADS, a programme that was called "VSHORAD" (very short range air defence). A mock-up of the missile was presented with the following description:

  • Supersonic missile
  • Fire-and-forget interceptor
  • Sophisticated seeker featuring image processing capabilities
  • Targets:
  • Fighters
  • Helicopters
  • Small drones
  • To be integrated on current and future vehicles, with automated turrets (a Leonardo turret for the VLTM 2)
  • Light and suitable for amphibious and paratrooper troops

Development contract

At the Paris Air Show in June 2025, MBDA and the Italian Army signed a contract for its development. The missile's name ("Fulgur") was unveiled. And additional characteristics were unveiled. A goal for its introduction was set for early 2028. And additional characteristics were unveiled:

  • All-weather capabilities
  • Integration to the SkyWarden C-UAS system.

Design and production

There is an expected production capacity of at least 1,000 missiles per year.

The supply chain and assembly are expected to be done in the following way:

  • The rocket engine will be supplied by AvioAero.
  • The seekerwill be designed and produced by MBDA Italy at the Fusaro facility.
  • The warhead is to be supplied by a third party. If the supplier is European, TDW and Saab Bofors Dynamics Switzerland could be selected.
  • The assembly will be made in house, but the facility has yet to be selected.

Variants

Planned variants

Two variants have yet been mentioned by MBDA and the Italian Army:

  • a MANPADS
  • a vehicle launched variants:
  • Leonardo turret
  • MBDA SkyWarden C-UAS system.

Potential variants

  • Discussions to integrate the missile on the attack helicopter AW249 Fenice.

Operators

Future operators

Development contract signed in June 2025.

References