The United Kingdom has introduced its new air defense system, Gravehawk, which it developed to increase its capacity against Ukrainian air threats. Announced by UK defense officials on February 12, 2025, Gravehawk stands out as a system developed in just 18 months at a cost of £6 million. Gravehawk is specifically designed to counter various air threats such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cruise missiles and enemy fighter jets.
Design and Features of Gravehawk
Gravehawk is armed with two modernized R-73 infrared-guided air-to-air missiles specifically redesigned for land-based deployment. The R-73 missiles are a Cold War design from the Soviet Union and are effective in air-to-air combat between aircraft. These missiles are short-range missiles with a speed of Mach 2.5 and a range of 20 miles. They are integrated into the Gravehawk system to provide a ground-based air defense solution. This feature makes the system effective not only against air threats but also against ground targets.
UK defence sources emphasise that Gravehawk’s infrared (IR) targeting system provides operational advantages. Unlike radar-based systems, infrared tracking allows the system to engage targets without revealing its location. This avoids signals that enemy forces are trying to detect, significantly increasing countermeasures. In addition, the platform on which Gravehawk is mounted is designed to fit into a standard ISO cargo container. This allows the system to be deployed quickly and discreetly, providing a significant advantage in front-line air defence operations.
Taskforce Kindred and the System Development Process
Gravehawk was developed as part of the UK Ministry of Defence’s “Taskforce Kindred” initiative, which aims to speed up the delivery of weapons and equipment to Ukraine. The project was shaped by contributions from UK defence companies, although the identities of the companies are being kept secret for security reasons. A number of domestic defence companies were involved in the development of the system, but these details have not yet been disclosed.
The Goal and Effectiveness of the System
Gravehawk is designed to provide effective defense against unmanned aerial vehicles such as Russia’s Iranian-made Shahed kamikaze UAVs. It is also designed to counter threats such as enemy fighter jets and cruise missiles. Gravehawk has become an important tool to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense infrastructure, especially as a system that offers rapid response and flexibility on the front line.
The system requires five personnel, and the estimated production cost of each Gravehawk unit is known to be £1 million. This cost is considered a very reasonable investment considering the advanced technology and intended use of the system.
Gravehawk looks set to play a key role in bolstering Ukraine’s air defence capabilities. The UK’s support to Ukraine will not only help counter current threats, but will also help prepare for future air warfare. It is anticipated that this new system will also have an impact on regional security dynamics and set an example for other countries.
