The United Kingdom has confirmed the delivery of 13 Raven air defence systems to Ukraine and has begun supplying the Gravehawk system, according to the UK Defence Journal.
Ukraine has already received two Gravehawk systems, with a further 15 scheduled for delivery at a later stage. The new supplies are intended to strengthen Ukraine’s layered air defence as Russian aerial attacks continue to target both frontline positions and civilian infrastructure.
The Raven air defence system is designed primarily for short-range protection near the front line. It is capable of engaging drones, aircraft and helicopters, with a limited ability to intercept cruise missiles. Raven is a bespoke solution developed specifically for Ukraine, adapting the Royal Air Force’s AIM-132 ASRAAM air-to-air missile for ground-based launch.
Gravehawk, meanwhile, is a joint UK–Danish funded system aimed at defending energy infrastructure and large urban areas from longer-range aerial threats. The system uses Ukrainian R-73 (AA-11 Archer) missiles adapted for surface launch. Its capabilities broadly mirror those of Raven, with a focus on countering drones, providing defensive coverage against helicopters and aircraft, and potentially intercepting cruise missiles.
The deployment of both systems reflects a strategy to combine specialised frontline air defence with broader-area protection for critical national infrastructure and population centres. British and Danish support for Gravehawk also highlights continued international cooperation in developing and fielding tailored air defence solutions for Ukraine.
The UK has been one of Ukraine’s leading military supporters since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, providing air defence, long-range weapons, armoured vehicles and training. The addition of Raven and Gravehawk systems further reinforces Ukraine’s ability to counter aerial threats at multiple ranges and altitudes.
