Breaking News
Flash News: Ukraine to Strengthen Its Air Defense Capabilities with British Gravehawk.
On February 12, 2025, the United Kingdom hosted the 26th Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Brussels, a historic summit as it was chaired for the first time by a European nation, highlighting the UK's leadership role in strengthening European and global security. During this meeting, Defense Secretary John Healey announced a new military aid package worth 150 million pounds, aimed at enhancing Ukraine’s military capabilities in its fight against Russia.
Among the key components of this new support, the Gravehawk air defense system takes center stage. (Picture source: British MoD)
Among the key components of this new support, the Gravehawk air defense system takes center stage. Specifically designed to meet Ukraine's needs, the Gravehawk is a mobile air defense system designed to counter threats such as kamikaze drones and other aerial attacks. This system, developed by the UK's Ministry of Defence (MOD) in collaboration with Denmark, was partly funded by the latter, which covers half the cost of each unit, approximately 1 million pounds per Gravehawk.
The Gravehawk system was developed in 18 months by the MOD's Taskforce Kindred, with a total budget of 6 million pounds. It is mounted in a standard ISO container, making it easily transportable and quickly deployable. It can be transported on a Leyland DAF 8×6 drop truck or any similar vehicle, allowing for rapid installation and operational flexibility in the field. Each Gravehawk is equipped with two P-72 rail launchers capable of firing R-73 infrared-guided missiles, tailored to the defense needs of Ukraine.
The provision of these 15 Gravehawk systems is part of a broader package, which also includes drones, tanks, and armored vehicles, all intended to provide the Ukrainian army with the necessary tools to defend itself against Russian aggression. In 2025, the UK has already committed over 4.5 billion pounds in aid to Ukraine, an unprecedented amount, demonstrating its ongoing support and its determination to strengthen Ukraine’s security.
In addition to the Gravehawk, the UK plans to send more than 50 armored and protective vehicles, including upgraded T-72 tanks, by the end of spring. The air defense equipment, aimed at supporting over 100 Ukrainian air defense teams, is also expected to enable the effective destruction of enemy drones, thereby protecting Ukraine’s strategic infrastructure, often targeted by Russian attacks.
The UK has also signed a multi-million-pound contract with Babcock, a British defense company, to train Ukrainian personnel in the maintenance and repair of essential military equipment, such as Challenger 2 tanks and self-propelled artillery systems. This contract aims to ensure that the equipment provided to Ukraine remains operational and ready for combat on the ground.
This support package reflects the UK's unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s security and its determination to contribute to peace and stability in Europe. As highlighted by Defense Secretary John Healey in his remarks at the meeting, 2025 is a crucial year for the conflict in Ukraine. In the face of the ongoing Russian threat, nations must continue to support Ukraine with the necessary resources to achieve a lasting peace. The Gravehawk, with its advanced defense capabilities, will play a key role in protecting Ukraine from aerial threats, thereby strengthening the resilience of the Ukrainian military in the face of Russian aggression.