UK hands over 13 Raven air defence systems to Ukraine and starts deliveries of Gravehawk
UK hands over 13 operational air defence systems to Ukraine Raven and started supplying the latest complexes Gravehawk. This was reported by the specialised publication UK Defence Journal.
According to the publication, all 13 Raven systems are already at the disposal of Ukrainian units and are used to cover units near the front line.
Details of the case
The Raven system is designed to engage drones, aircraft and helicopters at short and medium ranges. The system uses adapted Royal Air Force AIM-132 ASRAAM missiles launched from mobile ground platforms.
The key advantage of the Raven is its rapid deployment, which allows it to respond quickly to air threats in the combat zone. At the same time, these systems have limited cruise missile interception capabilities, so they are mainly used for close air support.
In order to protect critical infrastructure from long-range Russian strikes, the UK has simultaneously begun to transfer new Gravehawk systems to Ukraine. So far, the Ukrainian side has already received two prototypes of this system.
The contract provides for the supply of 15 more Gravehawk systems. The first production batch is due to arrive in the near future. These systems are expected to become a key element in the defence of large cities, energy facilities and strategic infrastructure during massive attacks.
Context.
Strengthening Ukraine's air defence remains a priority for Ukraine's partners against the backdrop of Russia's regular air attacks on energy facilities, cities and transport infrastructure. The United Kingdom is one of Ukraine's key allies in terms of military assistance, particularly in the area of air defence and training.
The transfer of mobile short-range systems and systems for the protection of large facilities complements Ukraine's multi-level air defence system and increases the resilience of energy and civilian infrastructure in times of war.
Ukrainian
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