UK confirms delivery of Raven and Gravehawk air defence systems to Ukraine

The United Kingdom has confirmed the delivery of 13 Raven air defence systems and two prototype Gravehawk systems to Ukraine, with additional Gravehawk units expected to arrive in the near future.

According to UK media, the information was disclosed in a written parliamentary response issued on January 6, 2026.

Replying to a question submitted by Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty, the Ministry of Defence stated that the Raven systems are already operational in Ukraine. Minister for Veterans Al Carns said that “13 RAVEN air-defence systems have now been provided to Ukraine, giving Ukrainian units the ability to rapidly defend themselves against Russian aerial threats.”

Raven is a custom-designed air defence capability developed specifically for Ukraine and financed by the UK. It repurposes the Royal Air Force’s AIM-132 ASRAAM air-to-air missile for ground-based launch, offering a mobile and quickly deployable option against Russian drones, fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, with a limited capacity to intercept cruise missiles.

The system has been presented by the UK as an example of accelerated defence innovation shaped directly by battlefield requirements.

The Ministry of Defence also confirmed ongoing work on the Gravehawk programme. According to Carns, “Two prototype GRAVEHAWK air-defence systems have been delivered to Ukraine so far,” and, “of the additional 15 GRAVEHAWK systems on contract, the first batch will be delivered shortly.” Gravehawk is intended to enhance the defence of critical infrastructure targeted by Russia’s long-range strike campaign.

The Gravehawk system is funded jointly by the UK and Denmark and employs Ukraine’s existing R-73 (AA-11 Archer) air-to-air missiles in a ground-launched configuration. Although primarily designed to counter drones, it also provides defensive options against aircraft and helicopters, as well as a potential capability to intercept cruise missiles. Its reliance on an in-service Ukrainian missile is aimed at streamlining logistics and accelerating deployment.

By Tamilla Hasanova