United to win: Britain delivers Raven air defense systems to Ukraine, plans to supply Gravehawk next
Raven anti-aircraft systems. Photo: BFBS Forces News
The UK Ministry of Defence officially confirmed in a written response to Parliament on 6 January 2026 that 13 Raven air defence systems had already been transferred to Ukraine. Currently, it is planned to transfer 15 additional Gravehawk air defense systems. The first batch is expected to arrive soon.
The UK Defence Journal reported this.
According to UK Deputy Defense Minister Alistair Carnes, Ukraine has already received two prototypes of the Gravehawk systems. These installations are intended to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure against long-range Russian strikes.
The UK Ministry of Defense also announced the delivery of 13 Raven air defense systems to Ukraine, which are already being actively used by Ukrainian units.
The Raven systems provide close-range protection for frontline positions against drones, aircraft, and helicopters, and play a significant role in defending against Russian air threats.
"The 13 Raven systems give Ukrainian units the ability to counter drones, helicopters, and low-flying targets quickly," said British Minister for Veterans Affairs Al Carnes.
Raven is a mobile short-range air defense system built on the SupaCat chassis, utilizing British AIM-132 ASRAAM missiles to engage air targets.
Raven air defense system. Photo: Ukrainian Air Force
Raven systems first began arriving in Ukraine in 2023.
They have already destroyed more than 100 Russian drones and missiles, as previously stated by Ukrainian units.
Additionally, the British Ministry of Defense has confirmed that two prototypes of the Gravehawk system have already been delivered to Ukraine, with several more production units expected to arrive in the near future.
Gravehawk is a joint British-Danish short-range air defense system housed in a standard container, specifically designed to protect critical infrastructure from drones, helicopters, and potentially cruise missiles.
Gravehawk systems – Raven. Photo: UK Defence Journal
The system utilizes Ukraine's existing R-73 (AA-11 Archer) missiles, which simplifies logistics and accelerates deployment on the battlefield.
The Raven and Gravehawk deliveries are part of a larger air defense support package, for which London has allocated approximately £600 million, including automated turrets to combat strike drones.
The expansion of deliveries comes against the backdrop of increased Russian attacks on critical infrastructure and Ukraine's efforts to strengthen its airspace defenses.
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It should be noted that back in June 2025, the UK government stated that five Raven systems were awaiting immediate delivery to Ukraine. They were to bring the total number of Raven air defense systems transferred to the expected 13.
In September, it became known that the United Kingdom would produce and jointly develop advanced military equipment with Ukrainian industry under a new breakthrough agreement on technology exchange, which would help preserve jobs in the United Kingdom and strengthen the national security of both countries — Britain and Ukraine.
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