Exclusive for Ukraine: What we know about UK's Gravehawk air defense systems
Photo: possible layout of the Gravehawk system (illustrative photo by supacat.com)
The UK has announced the transfer of 15 mobile air defense systems, Gravehawk, to Ukraine in 2025. Although specific details about the system are scarce in open sources, Ukraine has previously received two prototypes, according to the British government website and Defense Express.
As the British government's website states, the Gravehawk system was developed in a short time specifically to meet Ukraine's needs. The project is jointly funded by the UK and Denmark.
This innovative system, the size of a maritime container, can fire air-to-air missiles and serve as a ground-based air defense system. It is also compatible with Ukrainian missiles currently in service with the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Photo: image of the Gravehawk surface-to-air missile system (defence-ua.com)
"With Ukraine under constant Russian bombardment, the Gravehawk system will boost Ukraine’s air defenses, allowing them to defend their cities, troops and critical infrastructure," the statement says.
Two prototypes of the Gravehawk were tested in Ukraine in September 2023, with 15 more systems expected to undergo testing in 2025.
What the Gravehawk system looks like
Experts note that in August 2023, British media reported the delivery of air defense systems mounted on SupaCat truck chassis, using AIM-132 ASRAAM missiles. Later, the Air Force released a video of the night operations of the unnamed SAM with such missiles which did not provide a clear view of the equipment.
In February, a daytime video was released showing this system mounted on a SupaCat chassis.
"And now everything points to the fact that this air defense system is called Gravehawk," according to Defense Express.
What Gravehawk is capable of
As for the possibility of using Ukrainian missiles, it is not excluded, as the AIM-132 ASRAAM has an infrared seeker.
"Therefore, the system's task may be to simply direct the missile toward the target and wait for it to lock on by itself," analysts believe.
They also suggest that the launch range of the missile from the ground is unlikely to exceed 10-15 km.
A Ukrainian missile that could be integrated into the Gravehawk is the R-73, already used in the Osa air defense system. It is also used on the Magura V5 maritime drones, having successfully struck Russian helicopters, as reported by Defense Express.
In addition to Gravehawk systems, the United Kingdom also announced the supply of 150 pieces of artillery. For the first time in 20 years, London is resuming domestic production and promises to deliver the artillery in a few weeks.
