Gravehawk is a UK-designed, Denmark-backed short-range air-defense system built for Ukraine by adapting Soviet-era R-73 air-to-air missiles for ground launch from a containerized twin-rail launcher. Official UK and parliamentary statements place it in Ukraine's wartime air-defense network, with prototypes delivered and a follow-on batch intended to help protect cities, troops, infrastructure, and energy facilities from Russian aerial attacks.
The UK announced Gravehawk for Ukraine in January 2025 after two prototypes were tested there in September 2024; a January 2026 parliamentary answer said two prototypes had been delivered and the first batch of 15 contracted follow-on systems would reinforce protection of key infrastructure from Russian deep-strike barrages.
Role detailsGravehawk packages the launcher, sensors, and support equipment around a container format rather than a conventional purpose-built air-defense vehicle.
Twin weapon rails inside an ISO shipping-container layout, with the container roof opened for firing.
A passive infrared camera on top of the container sends imagery to a portable command module.
Reporting on the public reveal described a portable control unit that lets the crew operate away from the launcher container.
UK and Forces News reporting describe use against drones, missiles, aircraft, and helicopters, with emphasis on Russian drone and deep-strike threats.
Gravehawk's central feature is its reuse of an existing Ukrainian missile stockpile rather than dependence on a new interceptor type.
| Launched item | Item type | Launch evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | Infrared-guided air-to-air missile adapted as an interceptor | Forces News reported that Gravehawk fires Vympel R-73 missiles from rails taken from Soviet-era fighter aircraft, while GOV.UK said the system retrofits Ukrainian air-to-air missiles for ground-based air defense. Sources: Forces News Gravehawk Report, GOV.UK 4.5 Billion Ukraine Military Boost |
GOV.UK said two Gravehawk prototype air-defense systems were tested in Ukraine in September 2024.
Sources: GOV.UK 4.5 Billion Ukraine Military Boost
The UK announced the mobile Gravehawk air-defense capability for Ukraine, saying 15 additional systems would follow the two prototypes.
Sources: GOV.UK 4.5 Billion Ukraine Military Boost
Foreign Secretary David Lammy told Parliament that the 15 Gravehawk missile systems were produced in Yorkshire by BAE Systems.
Sources: Hansard UK-Ukraine 100-Year Partnership
Forces News reported that Gravehawk uses an ISO-container launcher, aircraft-derived rails, R-73 missiles, passive infrared targeting, and a five-person crew.
Sources: Forces News Gravehawk Report
GOV.UK said the first Gravehawk systems announced in January were being delivered as part of a wider winter air-defense package for Ukraine.
Sources: GOV.UK 600 Million Air Defence Package
The Ministry of Defence told Parliament that two prototype Gravehawk systems had been delivered to Ukraine and that the first batch from the 15 contracted additional systems would be delivered shortly.
Sources: UK Parliament Ukraine Guided Weapons
