The UK has delivered more than 1,000 air defence missiles and over 250,000 rounds of air defence ammunition to Ukraine thus far in 2025.
The United Kingdom continues to show its unwavering commitment to Ukraine by committing a 600 million pound (about $800 million) security assistance package to Kyiv.
London’s latest military aid package is designed to help the Ukrainian military defend against Russian missile and suicide drones.
Interceptor Weapon Systems and Counter-Drone Turrets for Ukraine
The latest British security aid package to Ukraine primarily consists of air defense support. Among other weapon systems, it includes Raven and Gravehawk air defense systems.
“Building on that momentum, five RAVEN air-defence systems — announced this summer — will now be handed over to Ukraine, giving frontline units a rapid-reaction shield against low-flying threats. Whilst the first GRAVEHAWK air-defence systems, announced in January and now being delivered, will reinforce Ukraine’s ability to protect key infrastructure from Russia’s deep-strike barrages,” the British government stated about the latest security aid package in a press release.
The Raven is an air defense system developed by the UK that provides mobile short-range air defense capabilities. It pairs the Supacat HMT600 tactical vehicle with advanced short-range air-to-air missiles (ASRAAM) to create a flexible and mobile air defense platform that can move around the battlefield and target cruise missiles and suicide drones. In developing the Raven, the British military used expiring ASRAAM munitions, thus maximizing its potential.
The Gravehawk is also an air defense system and the product of the partnership between the UK and Denmark. The weapon system is the size of a shipping container and uses air-to-air missiles in a new role as a ground-to-air interceptor. The Gravehawk was designed to take advantage of Ukraine’s existing stock of Soviet- and Russian-made short-range air-to-air missiles, including the R-73 or AA-11, but in a new role.
The Raven and Gravehawk have one simple mission: protect Ukrainian urban centers and critical infrastructure from Russian cruise missiles and suicide drones.
“Ukrainians continue to fight with huge courage – military and civilians alike. The UK’s £600 million air defence investment this year is critical help to Ukrainians as they defend their towns, cities and energy infrastructure from Russia’s barbaric attacks,” British defence secretary John Healy stated.
In addition to the Raven and Gravehawk air defense systems, the UK will be sending more than 20 remotely guided counter-drone turrets to Ukraine next year. These counter-drone turrets were developed by Estonia specifically to track and shoot down the Shahed-style one-way attack unmanned aerial systems in use by the Russian military. London purchased 20 such systems from the Baltic country and will transfer them to the Ukrainian military as a low-cost solution against Russian suicide drones.
1,000 Air Defense Missiles and 250,000 Rounds of Ammo
The UK, with funding from approximately 50 international partners, has delivered more than 1,000 air defence missiles and over 250,000 rounds of air defence ammunition to Ukraine thus far in 2025.
“Alongside this 50-strong group of partners, we are working to deliver the vital support for Ukraine’s defence to put them in the strongest possible position to secure peace,” Healy added with a nod toward the ongoing peace negotiations among Ukraine, the United States, NATO, and the European Union.
About the Author: Stavros Atlamazoglou Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from the Johns Hopkins University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.
Image: CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons.
