In response to the urgent need to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, the UK develops Gravehawk Mobile Air Defence System, a containerized missile platform designed to counter air threats, including drones and cruise missiles. and supplied. This innovative system will reuse the Soviet-made R-73 (NATO reporting name: AA-11 Archer) air-to-air missiles in ground-fire protection solutions, leveraging Ukraine’s existing missile stockpile. Mounted on an 8×8 military truck chassis, the system offers high mobility, rapid deployment and cost-effective air defense compensation for Russian missile and drone strikes.
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Gravehawk Mobile Air Defence System: A powerful UK-provided air defense solution for Ukraine. A containerized launcher with 8×8 military truck transporter, two Soviet-made R-73 (AA-11 Archer) missiles, and a control system for remote commands and precision targeting. (Photo source: UK mod)
The Gravehawk system is a containerized short-range air defense system designed to intercept Iran-designed Shahed Suicide Drones, Cruise Missiles, and any low-flight aviation threat that threatens the Ukrainian military and infrastructure. This is (Shorad). The system is especially valuable due to its ability to reuse existing missile stockpiles, which reduces the costs of obtaining new air defense systems and logistical challenges. Unlike traditional surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems that require complex radar networks and dedicated launch platforms, Gravehawk is a low-cost, flexible mobile alternative, integrating infrared guided missiles into self-contained units I will. The ability to operate with minimal emissions means that enemy forces are no longer detectable and ensures survival on the battlefield.
The Gravehawk Air Defence System is optimized to attract low and moderate threats in short-range marriages. Its main function is to protect military units, infrastructure and urban centres from enemy missiles, drones, and aircraft, and provide local air defense compensation. It specializes in short-range engagement, primarily targeting drones, cruise missiles and helicopters, ranging up to 30 km. Using R-73 missiles that can reach Mach 2.5 speeds, the system ensures rapid interception of threats. Unlike radar-based systems that are guided by passive infrared homing and emit signals detected and thwarted by enemy forces, it works secretly. Thanks to the 8×8 military truck, its high mobility allows for rapid relocation based on evolving battlefield threats, and the ability to launch missiles remotely brings sales crews to a safe distance from enemy fires It is guaranteed to stay.
The Gravehawk system is housed in standard ISO size shipping containers, making it easy to transport and deploy. The launcher includes two R-73 missiles stored and fired from within the container, with an integrated power system providing electrical support for targeting and tracking operations. For mobility, the containers are mounted on an 8×8 heavy military truck chassis, commonly known as drop cars. This configuration allows the system to pass through rough terrain, quickly relocate and relocate if necessary.
Inside the vessels of Gravehawk’s air defense system are two R-73 (A-11 Archer) missiles designed as air-to-air weapons from the Soviet atmosphere of fighter jets such as the MIG-29. These missiles, which are currently being reused for ground defense, are operated by the Ukrainian military. (Photo source: UK mod)
A high-resolution electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) camera is mounted above the container, allowing you to track incoming threats in real time. The system automatically detects and locks enemy drones or missiles, then relays accurate targeting data to the missile guidance system. This passive tracking feature ensures that the system is not detected by enemy radar detection methods.
The Gravehawk system reuses the R-73 air missile originally designed by the Soviet Union in the 1980s and is given the NATO reporting name AA-11 Archer for ground-based launch operations. The Vympel R-73 is a short-range air-to-air missile developed by the Russian company Vympel NPO, which began service in 1984. It was equipped with Soviet fighter jets and was designed to replace older infrared guided missiles such as the R-. 60 (AA-8 aphid). The missiles became the main short-range missiles of Soviet and subsequent Russian fighters, including MIG-29, SU-27 and their derivatives. The missile features agility and advanced infrared seekers, allowing for “outside of appearance” targeting, allowing it to lock onto the target even outside the aircraft’s direct line of sight.
The missile is 2.93 meters long, has a diameter of 165 mm and a wingspan of 510 mm. It weighs 105 kg and is carrying a 7.4 kg high-explosive fragmented warhead led by passive infrared homing. Its range is up to 30 km, making it suitable for intercepting short-range threats at high speeds. The missile can reach Mach 2.5, which can attract and destroy fast moving enemy targets.
The targeting and tracking system of Gravehawk mobile air defense systems features a high-resolution camera mounted on top of a container. Detect and identify threats and relay accurate targeting data to missiles for engagement. (Image source UK mod)
The Gravehawk system is operated remotely, with five crew members controlling the system from a portable unit up to 50 meters away. This remote operation improves survivability and allows interceptors to be activated while personnel remain in a safe place.
The deployment of the Gravehawk system will significantly improve Ukraine’s air defense network. It is not an alternative to high-end SAM (surface-to-air missile) systems such as NASAM and Patriots, but serves as an effective complementary layer of Ukraine’s multi-layered air defense strategy, focusing on short-range interceptions against drones and cruise missiles . . The ability to reuse existing missile stockpiles reduces costs and ensures efficient use of Ukraine’s military resources.
By reusing air-to-air missiles for ground launches, the Gravehawk system offers a cost-effective solution that does not require the development of new interceptors. Unlike Western high-tech systems that rely on expensive, complex missile platforms, Gravehawk uses Ukrainian stockpiles of Soviet-era R-73 missiles to enable sustained operation without the need for continuous supply. I’ll do it.
The containerized nature of the system allows for rapid deployment, camouflage, and easy transfer after engagement, making it extremely viable and adaptable. Unlike traditional radar-guided SAM batteries, Gravehawk cannot emit active radar signals, making it difficult to detect and destroy them in enemy electronic warfare systems.
Russia has stepped up the use of Shahed-136 drones and cruise missiles to target Ukraine’s infrastructure and military position. The Gravehawk system provides cost-effective and efficient solutions to combat these threats, significantly reducing damage to cities, power plants and military assets. Its rapid mobility and ability to neutralize incoming threats for a short time will be an important addition to Ukraine’s defence strategy.
The Gravehawk mobile air defense system represents a key advancement in Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, offering mobility, stealth and cost-effectiveness. Ukraine will be able to adapt the R-73 (AA-11 Archer) atmosphere and air missiles to ground systems to enhance its defense against enemy drone and missile attacks while maximizing existing missile stockpiles. can. The combination of Gravehawk’s rapid mobility, passive infrared guidance and remote operation ensures that Ukraine can effectively counter air threats with accuracy and efficiency. As Russia continues to bomb the air, Gravehawk will play a key role in protecting Ukrainian troops, infrastructure and cities from airborne threats and solidifying its importance in ongoing conflict.
The Gravehawk System’s remote control station allows five crew members to operate the system from portable units 50 meters away, ensuring safe missile launches while enhancing operator survivability on the battlefield. (Photo source: UK mod)
