Gravehawk: UK to provide Ukraine with new air defence system - here's what we know

Ukraine will be provided with a new mobile air defence system by the UK following an announcement made by the Prime Minister during his first visit to the country.

Gravehawk is a UK-designed air defence system and, according to the Ministry of Defence, has been rapidly developed to meet Ukraine's battlefield needs.

The announcement comes after both nations signed a 100-year agreement which will lead to closer military collaborations on maritime security.

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Little is known about the Gravehawk system which is being billed as "innovative" by the Ministry of Defence.

However, it is said to be the size of a shipping container and is capable of retrofitting air-to-air missiles for ground-based air defence, meaning it can use Ukrainian missiles already in possession of its armed forces.

Little else is known about the weapons system, and no images have been revealed to show exactly what Gravehawk looks like. 

Russia has carried out repeated attacks against Ukraine from the air and Gravehawk will boost the country's air defences, the MOD said.

Two prototypes of the air defence capability system were tested in Ukraine in September, and a further 15 will soon be donated.

The system has been jointly funded by the UK and Denmark.

Defence Secretary John Healey said: "We are stepping up UK support for Ukraine throughout 2025.

"Our plan will increase Ukraine's military capability, expand our training offer, strengthen defence-industrial ties and dial up the pressure on Putin. 

"This new package of support will help strengthen Ukraine's position on the battlefield or at any negotiating table."

In his first visit to Ukraine since becoming PM, Sir Keir Starmer said: "Ukraine's security is our security. We must continue to do everything possible to ensure Ukraine is in the strongest position – that is why the UK is going further than ever before, ramping up military and humanitarian support.

"The British people have never wavered in their support for Ukraine, and today, UK firms are stepping up to support Ukraine's military capabilities.

"We will always stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine."