The UK Ministry of Defence has announced plans to send an additional five Raven air defense systems to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, enhancing Ukraine’s arsenal of these advanced weapons to a total of 13. This initiative is part of Britain’s broader “Kindred” strategy, aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s national security amid ongoing Russian aggression, utilizing both stockpiles and rapid procurement methods.
Since their introduction in 2023, the Raven systems have been pivotal in providing ground-based air defense capabilities, complementing nearly 150 surface-to-air missiles supplied to Ukraine. According to Colonel Olly Todd, military assistant head at the UK Task Force Kindred, Ukrainian forces have successfully conducted over 400 operations using the Raven systems, with an impressive success rate exceeding 70 percent. These operations have targeted a variety of threats, including cruise missiles, drones, and both fixed-wing and rotary-wing helicopters.
Colonel Todd emphasized the positive feedback from Ukrainian forces regarding the Raven system, stating, “The Ukrainians love this system. They said how effective it is and how important it has been as part of their air defense network.”
The Raven system, colloquially known as “FrankenSAM,” is the result of a collaborative effort involving the Royal Air Force’s Air and Space Warfare Center, UK Defence Equipment & Support, and the British defense contractor MBDA. Notably, it is mounted on a Supacat High Mobility Transporter 600 truck and utilizes the MBDA-manufactured Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM).
The ASRAAM is a versatile weapon measuring 3 meters (10 feet) in length, with a diameter of 166 millimeters (7 inches) and a wingspan of 450 millimeters (18 inches). It has been integrated into various British aircraft, including the Hawk, Jaguar, and Tornado jets, and is also compatible with the Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35 Lightning II. This missile boasts an operational range exceeding 25 kilometers (16 miles) and can reach speeds greater than Mach 3 (3,704 kilometers or 2,302 miles per hour).
Colonel Todd clarified that the Raven system comprises components that were previously part of the UK military inventory but had become surplus to requirements. He mentioned that these missiles, having served their purpose with the Royal Air Force, were slated for disposal. This approach ensures that the support provided to Ukraine does not detract from the UK’s operational capabilities or readiness.
