Raven Air Defense System Strengthens Ukraine’s Defense Efforts
The UK Ministry of Defence has recently revealed plans to provide five additional Raven air defense systems to Ukraine, bringing the total number of these advanced systems in Kyiv’s arsenal to 13. This initiative is part of the UK’s broader ‘Kindred’ mission aimed at enhancing Ukraine’s national security amidst ongoing hostilities from Russia. With this move, the UK is focusing on improving stockpiles and expediting procurement processes to respond effectively to the conflict.
In 2023, British forces initially supplied Ukraine with these essential ground-based air defense systems, along with nearly 150 surface-to-air missiles. Colonel Olly Todd, who leads the UK Task Force Kindred, noted that Ukrainian troops have engaged in over 400 confrontations utilizing these weapons, achieving an impressive success rate of more than 70 percent. The Raven systems have proven effective against a range of threats, including cruise missiles, drones, and both manned and unmanned helicopters. “The Ukrainians love this system,” Todd stated. “They have highlighted its effectiveness and its critical role in their air defense strategy.”
Technological Features of the Raven System
Designed through a collaboration involving the Royal Air Force Air and Space Warfare Center, UK Defence Equipment & Support, and British defense contractor MBDA, the Raven air defense system is built to enhance operational capabilities on the battlefield. These systems are mounted on a Supacat High Mobility Transporter 600 truck, making them both versatile and mobile. Equipped with the Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM), these systems utilize technology that has been operationally proven.
The ASRAAM, known as the AIM-132 in the United States, is a compact and powerful missile that measures 3 meters (10 feet) in length and has a wingspan of 450 millimeters (18 inches). Used in various older British military aircraft, such as the Hawk, Jaguar, and Tornado jets, it can also be integrated into modern platforms like the Eurofighter Typhoon and the F-35 Lightning II. This missile has an impressive operational range exceeding 25 kilometers (16 miles) and boasts speeds over Mach 3 (3,704 kilometers/2,302 miles per hour). Todd elaborated on the origins of the Raven, stating, “The components for the Raven system were repurposed from the UK inventory, ensuring that our own operational capabilities remain intact while we support Ukraine.”
