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Britain Quietly Deployed New Air Defenses to Ukraine—and They’re Already Working
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The UK Ministry of Defence has officially confirmed that 13 Raven short-range air defense systems have already been delivered to Ukraine, along with two prototype Gravehawk systems, according to a written response to Parliament, UK Defence Journal reported on January 6, 2026.
British officials stated that the Raven systems are now fully in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine and are being actively used to counter Russian aerial threats.
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“13 systems Raven give Ukrainian units the ability to rapidly counter drones, helicopters and low-flying targets,” said UK Veterans Minister Al Carns.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the Raven platforms are already being employed to protect Ukrainian forces from a wide range of Russian airborne threats, including drones and cruise missiles.
Raven is a mobile short-range air defense system built on a SupaCat chassis and adapted to fire AIM-132 ASRAAM missiles, originally designed for air-to-air combat. The system allows for rapid deployment and engagement of low-altitude targets near the front lines.
The UK began delivering Raven systems to Ukraine in 2023. Ukrainian units have previously reported that the system has already destroyed more than 100 Russian drones and missiles.
London also confirmed progress on the Gravehawk air defense program, stating that two prototype systems have already been delivered to Ukraine, with additional production units expected to arrive soon.
Gravehawk is a joint UK-Danish short-range air defense system built into a standard containerized format and designed primarily to protect critical infrastructure from drones, helicopters, and potentially cruise missiles.
🇺🇦First footage shows British “Raven” air defense system intercepting Russian missiles in Ukraine
— Authentic World Updates (@authworldnews) November 9, 2025
The first video has emerged showing Kh-59 and Kh-101 cruise missiles being intercepted by the British-made Raven air defense system, operated by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.… pic.twitter.com/m5vL9nqdVf
A key feature of the system is its use of Ukraine’s existing R-73 (AA-11 Archer) air-to-air missiles, allowing faster deployment and simplified logistics.
The deliveries of Raven and Gravehawk form part of a wider UK air defense support package valued at approximately $809 million, which also includes automated anti-drone turrets and other counter-UAS capabilities.
Earlier, reports emerged that the United Kingdom planned to deliver 350 ASRAAM air-to-air missiles to bolster Ukraine’s air defenses, in a new aid package funded by proceeds from frozen Russian assets.
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