The United Kingdom has delivered 13 Raven air defense systems and two prototypes of the new Gravehawk system to Ukraine.
This was reported by Al Karns, the UK’s Deputy Secretary of State for Defence and Minister for Veterans Affairs.
“13 RAVEN air-defence systems have now been provided to Ukraine, giving Ukrainian units the ability to rapidly defend themselves against Russian aerial threats,” Karns stated in a written response to British MP Ben Obese-Jekti.
He also noted that Ukraine received two prototypes of the Gravehawk air defense system.
“Two prototype GRAVEHAWK air-defence systems have been delivered to Ukraine so far. Of the additional 15 GRAVEHAWK systems on contract, the first batch will be delivered shortly, and will reinforce Ukraine's ability to protect key infrastructure from Russia's deep-strike barrages,” Karns emphasized.
The Raven air defense system is designed to provide short-range protection against drones, aircraft, and helicopters operating near the front lines. It is a UK-funded solution specifically developed for Ukraine and uses adapted AIM-132 ASRAAM missiles from the Royal Air Force for ground launches.
The Gravehawk system is a joint British-Danish system that uses Ukraine’s existing R-73 (AA-11 Archer) air-to-air missiles in a ground-based role. It is intended to counter drones but also provides protection against aircraft and helicopters, and potentially cruise missiles. Using missiles already in Ukrainian service aims to simplify logistics and speed up deployment.
