Ukraine reportedly acquired a new weapons system to defend the barrage of missiles unlocked by Russia: the Grave Hawk Hybrid Surface-to-Air Missile System.
Gravehawk’s photos and videos were published on February 12 by UK-based Publication Forces News.
The visuals of the system, developed by the UK in collaboration with Denmark, were subsequently posted on social media and became Viral. During a recent visit to NATO headquarters in Brussels, British Defense Minister John Healy said the system demonstrates the UK’s long-term support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
The Gravehawk system was announced on January 16th when British Prime Minister Kielstarmer visited a war-torn country. It is called a British-designed “mobile air defense system,” the size of a shipping container, and allows air-to-air missiles to be “modified” into a ground-based air defense role.
The Ukrainian military is now able to use missiles already in stock without delays in the delivery of ammunition to its operational capabilities.
“As Ukraine is subject to constant Russian bombardment, the Graevahawk system will be able to boost Ukraine’s air defense and protect its cities, military and critical infrastructure,” the UK government first said. I stated. The development is part of a large portion of Ukraine’s 4.5 billion pounds (US$5.5 billion) increase in 2025, with the UK saying it “more air defense systems, drones, and more to keep Ukrainian forces on the frontline.” and critical equipment support will be obtained. . ”
Gravehawk uses short-range air-to-air missiles from the infrared guided R-73 (AA-11 Archer) that have been modified for launch by the ground system.
According to new details revealed by Force News, the purpose of the Gravehawk system is to protect planes, cruise missiles and drones. It took about 18 months to develop the system groundup. The project was carried out by a small team from Task Force Kinded, the UK Ministry of Defense, which supplies British weapons and equipment to Ukraine.
This is not the first time a system like Gravehawk has been developed for Ukraine. In fact, it resembles the Frankensam air defense system developed by the United States in cooperation with other NATO countries and delivered to Ukraine. The Anglo-Danish gravestone was built for the same reasons as Frankensam. This is the lack of easily accessible air defense systems for Kyiv.
The US has supported Ukraine with multiple Frankensam hybrid air defense projects, including US Seagrass missiles integrated into Soviet-era Buklancher and US Sidewinder air-to-air missiles combined with Soviet traders. There have been reports that Patriot missiles are also used in hybrid advertising systems, but in the Eurasian era, the information could not be independently verified.
Additionally, the UK has previously mounted AIM-132 Advanced Short-air-to-air missiles, or systems like Frankensam, reportedly used to use Asraam. It is being developed.
The development of these systems is spurred by the relentless Russian aerial strike against Ukrainian cities, particularly by lotering ammunition and Kamikaze drones.
Russia launched a massive airstrike campaign using drones on Ukraine’s critical national infrastructure over the winter of mid-2024, and Ukraine’s air defense system has grown. Additionally, Ukrainian President Volodymea Zelensky recently stated on multiple occasions that he needs a more sophisticated air defense launcher and missile to provide a strong defense against Russia.
However, there is a terrible discrepancy between supply and demand for interceptors from NATO allies. Therefore, hybrid systems that utilize the abundant missiles in Ukraine’s stock to remove Russian aerial targets are important.
That being said, Grave Hawk’s timing is important, and US President Donald Trump is about to end the war. Trump said on February 12 that he and Vladimir Putin had a “long and productive” phone conversation, and that the two leaders decided to begin talks to end the Ukraine conflict. I stated.
With the uncertain future of this shattering war, both sides are expected to intensify their attacks before negotiations begin.
What do you know about Gravehawk?
The Gravehawk is a UK-built surface-to-air missile system that uses the RM-73 atmospheric missiles and can be run by a five-person crew.
“The system is housed in a regular ISO shipping container, meaning it can be quickly deployed to the back of a truck known as a drop vehicle. Once you reach the ground, you can roll the container roof to reveal the internal missile system. The missile system consists of two weapon rails taken from Soviet-era fighter jets, such as the Skoy SU-27 flanker,” the report states.
Originally designed for close-air dogfighting and used in MIG-29 and SU-27 aircraft, the R-73 boasts sophisticated control surfaces and thrust vectors, making it extremely steerable in close-up combat scenarios. , fatal. Depending on the type, the R-73 missile can hit targets up to 300 meters in the late sphere and 20 to 40 (RMD-2) away in the front hemisphere. Many of these missiles are used by the Ukrainian Air Force and can be purchased in the global arms market.
The R-73 is capable of high-off bore sights (HOBS). This means that the seeker can identify targets up to 40° from the missile centerline and change flight in any direction compared to traditional heat-demanding air. Air missiles with seekers restricting their forward viewpoint.
Interestingly, the R-73 is Successfully used in another hybrid solution for the Ukrainian military. Last year, for example, Ukraine armed explosive drone boats and unmanned vessels (USVs) with these missiles, cornering Russian helicopters and fighter jets.
According to the report, “At the top of the container there is a camera system that uses passive IR to find the target. Images from the camera are sent to the command module for the size of the large PELI case. This shows the target And the missile is locked before it is fired. All the systems needed to track the target are thermal signatures.”
Unlike surface-to-air missile systems that rely on active radar, Gravehawk’s passive infrared sensors keep them safe from the Russian electronic warfare system.
According to the mod, the Ukrainian military has successfully tested two prototypes of these systems so far. Another 15 people will be delivered to Kiev this fiscal year. Denmark pays half of the approximately £1 million (US$1.25 million) cost for each Gravehawk system.
