Fulgur (missile)

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 ==