As part of a joint statement in January 2025, the United Kingdom and Denmark announced the delivery of a new mobile air defense system, the Gravehawk, to Ukraine. This support aims to strengthen the country’s protection against increasing air threats, including drones and cruise missiles. The system, introduced in September 2024 for operational testing, demonstrated its effectiveness, prompting both countries to commit to supplying 15 additional units in 2025.
The Gravehawk is mounted on an all-terrain vehicle chassis, allowing for rapid deployment and mobility on the ground. It is equipped with infrared-guided missiles, including the AIM-132 ASRAAM and the Wympel R-73. (Picture source: Social Media)
The Gravehawk is mounted on an all-terrain vehicle chassis, allowing for rapid deployment and mobility on the ground. It is equipped with infrared-guided missiles, including the AIM-132 ASRAAM and the Wympel R-73, providing an effective range of approximately 15 kilometers. This system is designed to address short-range threats, particularly those posed by fast-moving airborne objects, thanks to its ability to deploy high-performance missiles already used by Ukrainian forces, facilitating integration into their existing defense systems.
The AIM-132 ASRAAM (Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile) is a short-range air-to-air missile developed for engagements at very close distances, where speed and accuracy are crucial. It is powered by a solid-propellant rocket motor, allowing it to reach speeds exceeding Mach 3, which gives it a strong capability to intercept fast-moving targets, such as fighter jets or missiles. The missile is equipped with an infrared imaging guidance system, which allows it to detect and track the thermal signature of the target, even in cluttered or low-visibility conditions. This guidance system offers great accuracy, especially in close-quarters aerial combat, where the ability to engage maneuvering targets is essential. It replaces the AIM-9 Sidewinder in the British Royal Air Force, and its design allows it to intercept highly maneuverable targets, a critical factor in modern confrontations where evasion maneuvers are frequent. Its effectiveness as a short-range air-to-air missile makes it a central component of the British Royal Air Force’s armament and those of other international armed forces.
The Wympel R-73, on the other hand, is a short-range missile developed by Russia and primarily used by the Russian Air Force, but also by other countries worldwide. This missile is known for its exceptional ability to engage targets at high angles of attack, a significant advantage in air combat where the enemy may attempt complex maneuvers to avoid a shot. The R-73’s sophisticated infrared guidance system allows it to track and engage targets from multiple angles, including those moving rapidly or attempting to evade. This system enables it to maintain a lock on the target even when performing extreme evasive maneuvers. The R-73 is particularly effective in close-range air combat, where it can be more responsive and accurate than other missiles. Its low cost and high reliability have made it widely exported, and many countries, including Ukraine, have integrated it into their arsenals. This ability to use missiles already deployed in Ukrainian forces allows for rapid integration and increased operational flexibility.
Countries supporting Ukraine, such as the United Kingdom, are aware of the diversity of military equipment used by Ukraine. In this context, Russian armaments like the R-73 have been integrated into Ukrainian systems to maximize operational efficiency. The export of these missiles to Ukraine thus takes into account their interoperability with Western platforms like the Gravehawk.
The deployment of the Gravehawk in Ukraine is therefore a key element of the country’s defense strategy against relentless air attacks. This support is a direct response to the growing threats posed by Russian forces and is part of an increased international cooperation framework, with countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Denmark providing advanced technologies to secure Ukrainian airspace. The Gravehawk system offers a mobile, flexible defense capability, particularly suited to Ukraine’s current needs.
The provision of the Gravehawk system by the United Kingdom and Denmark represents a strategic reinforcement of Ukraine’s air defense, combining mobility and efficiency while seamlessly integrating with existing systems, thus providing a solid and rapid response to the ever-evolving air threats.
