Secret Gravehawk air defense system for Ukraine unveiled – and it's not what you'd expect

Defense Express writes about this. 

Last year, news broke that the UK was sending classified air defense systems to Ukraine. On January 16, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the name – Gravehawk – revealing that 15 units would be delivered, with two prototypes already protecting Ukrainian skies.

Until now, many believed Gravehawk was the mysterious system seen on video mounted on a Supacat HMT truck with AIM-132 ASRAAM missiles. But it turns out Gravehawk is entirely different. The system fits into a sea container and uses missiles that Ukraine has, said Starmer.

According to footage from the UK Ministry of Defense shared by BFBS Forces News, Gravehawk is housed in a standard sea container and uses Ukrainian-made R-73 missiles. This makes it a short-range system, with a ground-launched range of up to 12 km, ideal for targeting cruise missiles, drones, and defending key locations.

The system carries two R-73 infrared-guided missiles mounted on standard pylons inside the container, which features a sliding roof. It likely includes a mechanism to extend the launcher for better targeting.

Gravehawk uses a new fire control system equipped with an optical-location station, possibly featuring optical and thermal imaging channels and a laser rangefinder. The control panel even resembles a regular video game controller.

A truck with a multi-lift system transports the container, allowing it to be easily loaded and unloaded.