How UK's Raven systems turn air missiles into ground defense - video
Nation20 January, 11:56 AM
NV reminds these systems key characteristics and how they help strengthen Ukraine’s air-defense.
Raven system is a highly mobile short-range air-defense platform designed to engage low-flying drones, cruise missiles, helicopters, and aircraft.
The United Kingdom developed the system so that Ukraine’s Defense Forces could use UK ASRAAM (AIM-132) air-to-air missiles as ground-based air-defense weapons. Originally, these short-range infrared-guided missiles were designed for aircraft launches, but they were adapted for ground launch in record time — in about four months.
To achieve this, the UK engineers created the Raven mobile complex based on the Supacat HMT-600 wheeled chassis — essentially a vehicle capable of launching aircraft missiles. The first Raven systems were delivered to Ukraine in the spring of 2023, and by May 2025 they had conducted more than 400 missile launches against enemy aerial targets. The overall effectiveness rate reached 70%, according to Militarnyi.
In January 2026, the UK transferred 13 additional Raven systems to Ukraine.
Technical specifications of the Raven system
Speed: up to 120 km/h
Range: up to 1,000 km
Wheel configuration: 6×6
Power: 182 hp
Length: approx. 6.5 m
Width: approx. 2.5 m
Height: approx. 2.7 m
The system was developed at the initiative of the Royal Air Force Air and Space Warfare Centre in cooperation with MBDA UK and Supacat. It is based on the UK high-mobility tactical vehicle Supacat HMT 600.
The system uses AIM-132 ASRAAM guided air-to-air missiles to engage targets.
AIM-132 ASRAAM missile
Number in system: 2
Weight: 88 kg
Warhead weight: 10 kg
Speed: up to Mach 3
Missile launch, seeker alignment, and target tracking can be carried out either from the armored crew cabin or via a remote control panel from a distance of up to 50 meters.
The missiles are mounted externally on launch rails.
The launch rails are equipped with pylons originally developed for Tornado, Jaguar, and Hawk aircraft. This design ensures reliable ground launches of air-to-air missiles.
The launch system features soft protective coating that shields the missiles from mechanical damage during transportation.