Direct proof of use
Gravehawk is documented in the 2014 Russia-Ukraine War as a Ukraine-operated short-range air-defense system. GOV.UK announced in January 2025 that the UK-designed system had been developed to meet Ukrainian battlefield needs, that two prototypes were tested in Ukraine in September 2024, and that the system lets Ukraine use air-to-air missiles already held by its armed forces for ground-based air defense.
Forces News reported in February 2025 that the two systems were in use with the Ukrainian military and that the UK Ministry of Defence said they had already been used successfully on the frontline. A January 2026 UK Parliament answer later stated that two prototype GRAVEHAWK systems had been delivered to Ukraine so far, while the first batch from 15 contracted follow-on systems was still due shortly.
Sources: GOV.UK 4.5 Billion Ukraine Military Boost, Forces News Gravehawk Report, UK Parliament Ukraine Guided Weapons
Timeline
The public record places Gravehawk's first Ukraine-specific milestone in September 2024, when two prototype systems were tested in Ukraine. The UK announced the wider program on January 16, 2025, with a plan for 15 additional systems funded by the UK and Denmark.
On January 20, 2025, Foreign Secretary David Lammy told the House of Commons that the 15 Gravehawk missile systems were produced in Yorkshire by BAE Systems. On December 17, 2025, GOV.UK described the first Gravehawk systems from the January package as being delivered to reinforce protection of key infrastructure from Russian deep-strike barrages; on January 6, 2026, the Ministry of Defence clarified in a written answer that two prototypes had been delivered and the first batch of the additional 15 systems would follow shortly.
Sources: GOV.UK 4.5 Billion Ukraine Military Boost, Hansard UK-Ukraine 100-Year Partnership, GOV.UK 600 Million Air Defence Package, UK Parliament Ukraine Guided Weapons
Operational role
Gravehawk's conflict role is air defense and force protection for Ukraine. The system packages a twin-rail launcher in an ISO-container layout and adapts Ukrainian stocks of Vympel R-73, also known as AA-11 Archer, air-to-air missiles for surface launch. GOV.UK described the intended protected targets as Ukrainian cities, troops, and critical infrastructure under Russian bombardment.
The system is not documented as a long-range strike weapon in the conflict record. Forces News described it as a defensive system for drones, missiles, aircraft, and helicopters, with a passive infrared camera, remote command module, and five-person crew. The strongest available direct-use evidence identifies Ukraine as the operator and records frontline use, but public sources do not provide a named engagement, location, target, or intercepted aircraft for an individual Gravehawk firing.
Sources: GOV.UK 4.5 Billion Ukraine Military Boost, Forces News Gravehawk Report
