Exclusive: How UK Transformed Old Soviet-Made R-73 Missiles into Ukraine’s Gravehawk Air Defense System.

In response to Ukraine’s urgent need for enhanced air defense capabilities, the United Kingdom developed and supplied the Gravehawk Mobile Air Defense System, a containerized missile platform designed to counter aerial threats, including drones and cruise missiles. This innovative system repurposes Soviet-made R-73 (NATO reporting name: AA-11 Archer) air-to-air missiles into a ground-launched defense solution, leveraging Ukraine’s existing missile stockpiles. Mounted on an 8x8 military truck chassis, the system provides high mobility, rapid deployment, and cost-effective air defense coverage against Russian missile and drone strikes.
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The Gravehawk Mobile Air Defense System: A powerful UK-supplied air defense solution for Ukraine, featuring an 8x8 military truck transporter, a containerized launcher armed with two Soviet-made R-73 (AA-11 Archer) missiles, and a remote command and control system for precision targeting. (Picture source: UK MoD)

The Gravehawk system is a containerized short-range air defense system (SHORAD) designed to intercept low-flying aerial threats such as Iranian-designed Shahed suicide drones, cruise missiles, and other airborne targets that threaten Ukrainian forces and infrastructure. The system is particularly valuable due to its ability to repurpose existing missile stockpiles, reducing the cost and logistical challenges of acquiring new air defense systems. Unlike traditional surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems that require complex radar networks and dedicated launch platforms, Gravehawk is a low-cost, flexible, and mobile alternative that integrates infrared-guided missiles into a self-contained unit. Its ability to operate with minimal emissions makes it less detectable by enemy forces, ensuring survivability on the battlefield.

The Gravehawk Air Defense System is optimized for engaging low and medium-altitude threats in short-range engagements. Its primary function is to provide local air defense coverage, protecting military units, infrastructure, and urban centers from enemy missiles, drones, and aircraft. It specializes in short-range engagements, primarily targeting drones, cruise missiles, and helicopters at ranges of up to 30 km. Utilizing R-73 missiles, which are capable of reaching speeds of Mach 2.5, the system ensures fast interception of threats. Guided by passive infrared homing, it operates stealthily, unlike radar-based systems, which emit signals that can be detected and jammed by enemy forces. Its high mobility, thanks to the 8x8 military truck, allows for rapid repositioning based on evolving battlefield threats, while the ability to launch missiles remotely ensures that the operating crew remains at a safe distance from enemy fire.

The Gravehawk system is housed within a standard ISO-sized shipping container, making it easy to transport and deploy. The launcher contains two R-73 missiles, stored and fired from inside the container, with integrated power systems providing electrical support for targeting and tracking operations. For mobility, the container is mounted on an 8x8 heavy military truck chassis, commonly referred to as a Drops vehicle. This configuration enables the system to traverse rough terrain, relocate quickly, and reposition as needed.

Inside the Gravehawk Air Defense System's container are two R-73 (AA-11 Archer) missiles, originally designed as Soviet air-to-air weapons for fighter jets like the MiG-29. Now repurposed for ground-based defense, these missiles are operated by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. (Picture source: UK MoD)

A high-resolution electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) camera is mounted on top of the container, which allows for real-time tracking of incoming threats. The system automatically detects and locks onto enemy drones or missiles, then relays precise targeting data to the missile guidance system. This passive tracking capability ensures that the system remains undetectable by enemy radar detection methods.

The Gravehawk system repurposes R-73 air-to-air missiles, originally designed by the Soviet Union in the 1980s and 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 entered service in 1984. It was designed to equip Soviet fighter jets, replacing older infrared-guided missiles such as the R-60 (AA-8 Aphid). The missile became the primary close-combat missile for Soviet and later Russian fighter aircraft, including the MiG-29, Su-27, and their derivatives. The missile features high agility and an advanced infrared seeker, making it capable of "off-boresight" targeting, where it can lock onto targets even outside the aircraft’s direct line of sight.

The missile measures 2.93 meters in length, with a diameter of 165 mm and a wingspan of 510 mm. It weighs 105 kg and carries a 7.4 kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead, guided by passive infrared homing. Its range extends up to 30 km, making it suitable for intercepting short-range threats at high speeds. The missile can reach Mach 2.5, enabling it to engage and destroy fast-moving enemy targets.

The Gravehawk Mobile Air Defense System's targeting and tracking system features a high-resolution camera mounted on top of the container. It detects and identifies threats, then relays precise targeting data to the missile for engagement. (Picture source UK MoD)

The Gravehawk system is operated remotely, with a five-person crew controlling the system from a portable unit located up to 50 meters away. This remote operation enhances survivability, allowing personnel to launch interceptors while remaining in a secure location.

The deployment of the Gravehawk system significantly enhances Ukraine’s air defense network. While not a replacement for high-end SAM (Surface-to-Air Missile) systems like NASAMS or Patriot, it serves as an effective complementary layer in Ukraine’s multi-tiered air defense strategy, focusing on short-range interceptions against drones and cruise missiles. Its ability to reuse existing missile stockpiles reduces costs and ensures an efficient use of Ukraine’s military resources.

By repurposing air-to-air missiles for ground-based launches, the Gravehawk system offers a cost-effective solution that does not require developing new interceptors. Unlike Western high-tech systems, which rely on expensive and complex missile platforms, Gravehawk can use Ukraine’s stockpiles of Soviet-era R-73 missiles, allowing for sustained operations without the need for continuous resupply.

The containerized nature of the system allows rapid deployment, camouflage, and easy relocation after engagements, making it highly survivable and adaptable. Unlike traditional radar-guided SAM batteries, Gravehawk does not emit active radar signals, making it harder to detect and destroy by enemy electronic warfare systems.

Russia has intensified its use of Shahed-136 drones and cruise missiles to target Ukraine’s infrastructure and military positions. The Gravehawk system provides a cost-effective and efficient solution to counter these threats, significantly reducing damage to cities, power plants, and military assets. Its rapid mobility and ability to neutralize incoming threats at short notice make it a crucial addition to Ukraine’s defense strategy.

The Gravehawk Mobile Air Defense System represents a crucial advancement in Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, offering mobility, stealth, and cost-effectiveness. By adapting R-73 (AA-11 Archer) air-to-air missiles into a ground-based system, Ukraine is able to maximize its existing missile stockpiles while strengthening its defense against enemy drone and missile attacks. The Gravehawk’s combination of rapid mobility, passive infrared guidance, and remote operation ensures that Ukraine can effectively counter air threats with precision and efficiency. As Russia continues its aerial bombardments, Gravehawk will play a key role in protecting Ukrainian forces, infrastructure, and cities from airborne threats, solidifying its importance in the ongoing conflict.

The Gravehawk system's remote control station enables a five-person crew to operate the system from a portable unit up to 50 meters away, ensuring safe missile launches while enhancing operator survivability on the battlefield. (Picture source: UK MoD)