Fulgur | |
---|---|
Type | Man-portable air-defense system |
Place of origin | Italy |
Service history | |
In service | Planned for early 2028 |
Used by | See Operators |
Production history | |
Designer | |
Designed | Since 2023 |
Manufacturer | MBDA Italy |
Produced | From 2026 |
No. built | Production capacity > 1,000 per year [1] |
Specifications | |
Mass | 10 kg (22 lb) (missile) [2] |
Length | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) |
Diameter | 70 mm (2.8 in) (missile) |
Effective firing range | 5 km (3.1 mi) |
Engine | Rocket engine by AvioAero |
Maximum speed | Supersonic |
Guidance system |
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Steering system | Canards |
Launch platform |
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The Fulgur is a very short-range air defence system developed by MBDA for the Italian Army. [3]
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. [4]
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: [5]
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: [6]
There is an expected production capacity of at least 1,000 missiles per year. [7]
The supply chain and assembly are expected to be done in the following way:
Two variants have yet been mentioned by MBDA and the Italian Army: