London (Agencies): The United Kingdom has begun supplying Ukraine with the Gravehawk, a newly developed air defense system designed to integrate Soviet-era missiles into a modern, ground-based platform disguised as a standard shipping container.
According to the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), two Gravehawk units have already been shipped to Ukraine and are in active use, with 15 more scheduled for delivery throughout the year. The system is designed to launch R-73 air-to-air missiles, which can reach speeds of Mach 2.5 (3,087 km/h or 1,918 mph) and engage targets at a range of 12–15 km (7.5–9.3 miles). These missiles, originally developed for fighter jets, have been repurposed to counter drones, cruise missiles, and low-flying aircraft, including Iranian-designed Shahed drones.
One of Gravehawk’s key advantages is its passive infrared guidance, which eliminates the need for radar emissions that could expose its location to enemy forces. This makes it significantly harder for Russian forces to detect and neutralize the system. The containerized launch platform also incorporates electro-optical and infrared targeting cameras, allowing remote operation so that operators can fire missiles from a safe distance.
The UK’s MoD developed Gravehawk through Taskforce Kindred, a specialized unit focusing on military innovations for Ukraine. The project was completed in just 12 months at a total cost of $7.5 million, with each unit costing approximately $1.2 million. Denmark has also contributed funding for the system.
Despite ongoing diplomatic negotiations between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, British Defense Secretary John Healey reaffirmed the UK’s military support for Ukraine, calling 2025 a “critical year for the war” and pledging continued assistance. Alongside Gravehawk, the UK has committed to supplying Ukraine with a $190 million military aid package, including air-to-air missiles, tanks, artillery, 10,000 drones, and hundreds of thousands of rounds of ammunition.
The introduction of Gravehawk marks a significant advancement in Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, as it provides a cost-effective and mobile solution to counter aerial threats while utilizing Ukraine’s existing stockpile of Soviet-designed missiles.