UK Unveils "Gravehawk" Missile System Designed Specifically for Ukraine’s Air Defense

The UK has officially unveiled the Gravehawk, a new surface-to-air missile system specifically designed for Ukraine, according to Forces News on February 12.

The system was developed within 18 months to address the increasing threats from drones, cruise missiles, and aircraft.

According to Forces News, the project was executed by a small team within the UK Ministry of Defense, known as Taskforce Kindred, which is responsible for supplying British weapons and equipment to Ukraine.

The development of the Gravehawk system involved collaboration with several British defense companies, although their names have not been disclosed. 

The core of the system is based on Soviet-era R-73 air-to-air missiles, which have been adapted for use with a ground launch platform. These missiles are already part of the Ukrainian Air Force's arsenal and are available on the international arms market.

The R-73 missile has a range of 20 to 40 kilometers in the front hemisphere, depending on the variant, and up to 300 meters in the rear hemisphere. The missile system is mounted in a standard ISO shipping container, allowing for easy transport by truck, rail, or sea. The container format also ensures discreet transport and quick deployment in necessary areas, with a crew of five operating the system.

An optical system on top of the container uses passive infrared radiation to detect targets, relying solely on the thermal signature of the aircraft. This feature minimizes the system’s vulnerability to radar detection. The images from the optical system are transmitted to a command module that is compact and portable.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces have already received two Gravehawk systems, with an additional 15 expected to be delivered later this year. The cost of each system is approximately £1 million, with half of the funding provided by Denmark.

Earlier, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, during a visit to Ukraine, announced the donation of 150 British-made artillery barrels along with additional air defense systems, including 15 Gravehawk units, which are expected to be delivered in the coming months of 2025.