At the Paris Air Show 2025, MBDA officially unveiled the Fulgur VSHORAD missile, a next-generation very short-range air defense system being developed for the Italian Army. The announcement follows the signing of a development contract aimed at modernizing Italy’s tactical air defense posture in response to evolving aerial threats.
The Fulgur VSHORAD missile offers a combination of speed, mobility, and advanced targeting designed to counter a wide spectrum of threats including drones, helicopters, and fast jets.
Key Features of the MBDA Fulgur VSHORAD Missile
Fulgur is a man-portable, supersonic, fire-and-forget interceptor engineered for day-and-night operations in all weather conditions. It is equipped with a next-gen seeker featuring image processing capabilities, enabling high-precision engagement of both conventional and asymmetric threats.
The missile is fully NATO-compliant and optimized for both standalone use and integration into broader air defense ecosystems.
Initial deliveries of the MBDA Fulgur VSHORAD missile and its launcher system are expected by early 2028.
Integration with Sky Warden Counter-UAS Architecture
MBDA confirmed that the Fulgur VSHORAD missile will be a core component of its Sky Warden system—a modular, scalable counter-UAS solution built to address multi-layered air defense needs. This integration enables MBDA to provide a unified platform covering threats from short-range UAVs to higher-tier aerial attacks.
The addition of the Fulgur VSHORAD missile expands the company’s C-UAS and tactical defense offerings and supports the broader objective of a sovereign European air defense network.
Tactical Versatility: Portable, Vehicle-Mounted, and Air-Launched
Designed with flexibility in mind, the Fulgur VSHORAD missile can be deployed in multiple configurations:
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Infantry-operated man-portable launchers
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Vehicle-mounted systems on platforms like the IDV VTLM2 with Leonardo turrets
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Air-launched deployments from helicopters and rotary-wing aircraft
This adaptability ensures tactical mobility and makes the Fulgur suitable for both defensive and expeditionary operations.
MBDA’s Commitment to European Defense Sovereignty
Lorenzo Mariani, Executive Group Director Sales & Business Development at MBDA, stated:
“We are proud to support the Italian Army with a next-generation solution that fits seamlessly within multi-layered defense systems. The Fulgur missile completes our VSHORAD capability portfolio and reinforces Europe’s technological sovereignty in air defense.”
Why the MBDA Fulgur VSHORAD Missile Matters
The unveiling of the Fulgur VSHORAD missile represents a strategic shift toward greater self-reliance in European defense. With aerial threats becoming more diverse and sophisticated, systems like Fulgur are essential in safeguarding ground forces, critical infrastructure, and national airspace.
As regional tensions rise and demand for tactical air defense increases, the Fulgur positions MBDA at the forefront of next-generation short-range missile technology.
