Exclusive Report: What is Raven air defense missile system developed by United Kingdom for Ukraine.

The Raven air defense missile system is a British-developed short-range air defense (SHORAD) solution designed specifically to meet Ukraine’s urgent need for countering aerial threats in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Developed through a rapid collaboration between MBDA UK, Supacat, and the Royal Air Force’s Air and Space Warfare Centre, the Raven system was conceptualized, integrated, and deployed within a remarkably short span of three to four months in 2022. It provides Ukraine with a mobile and responsive platform capable of intercepting drones, cruise missiles, and low-flying aerial targets.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Raven is a British-made mobile air defense system that mounts ASRAAM missiles on a Supacat vehicle to intercept drones and low-flying threats, designed specifically to support Ukraine’s frontline defense. (Picture source: British MoD)

The British-made Raven integrates the AIM-132 Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) onto a Supacat HMT 600 6x6 high-mobility tactical vehicle, transforming an air-launched weapon into a formidable ground-based interceptor. The system utilizes missile launch rails salvaged from retired RAF combat aircraft such as the Tornado, Hawk, and Jaguar. The ASRAAM missile, weighing approximately 88 kilograms, can reach speeds up to Mach 3 and, when ground-launched, has an effective range of around 15 kilometers. This combination gives Raven rapid engagement capabilities and high battlefield mobility, ideal for protecting both military assets and civilian infrastructure.

Since its operational debut, Raven has proven highly effective in combat. Ukrainian forces have conducted over 400 engagements using the system, achieving a reported success rate exceeding 70 percent. Its primary role has been to defend against low-altitude aerial threats, including the Iranian-designed Shahed-136 drones and Russian-launched cruise missiles, which have been frequently deployed against Ukrainian urban centers and energy infrastructure. The mobility of the Supacat platform allows quick repositioning, enhancing survivability and adaptability on fluid frontlines.

Deliveries of the Raven system to Ukraine began in late 2022, with eight complete systems transferred by the United Kingdom through 2023 and 2024. In a significant development announced in June 2025, the UK confirmed the delivery of five additional Raven systems, increasing the total to thirteen. This expanded deployment has been complemented by the provision of a large missile stockpile. On June 24, 2025, the British government unveiled a new military aid package that includes 350 ASRAAM missiles specifically intended for Raven launchers. This package, valued at £70 million (approximately $95 million), is funded through interest earned on seized Russian financial assets held in the United Kingdom.

The Raven air defense missile system exemplifies the UK’s capability to adapt legacy systems into advanced, purpose-built defense platforms. It represents a strategic fusion of existing missile technology, battlefield mobility, and fast-track engineering tailored for urgent operational needs. As Ukraine continues to bolster its multi-layered air defense architecture, the Raven system has emerged as a key component in neutralizing immediate aerial threats, enabling Ukrainian forces to better protect critical infrastructure and maintain operational momentum along contested frontlines.