Description

Source: ET

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

Recently, The United Kingdom introduced the Gravehawk air defense system.

This system will aid Ukraine to defend against Russian air attacks.

This system uses Soviet R-73 short-range air-to-air missiles in a ground based role. It will definitely enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities against Russian planes, drones, & cruise missiles.

Development and Deployment

The UK Ministry of Defense has said to deliver 15 more systems in the coming months.. This system is developed by UK & Denmark. Each system costs about US$1.25 million & Denmark takes half of the cost.

Key Features of Gravehawk

Type	Mobile surface to air missile system
Missile Used	R-73 (AA-11 Archer) air-to-air missile
Size	This system can be kept in an ISO shipping container
Deployment	It can be Mounted on a Drops vehicle for fast transport.
Operation	It can be Operated by a 5 member crew
Tracking System	It Uses passive infrared (IR) sensors to track heat from targets
Missile Rails	It Uses 2 missile rails from Soviet-era fighter jets (e.g, Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker)
Launch Mechanism	The container roof rolls back to reveal the missile system, ready for launch
Protection from EW	There is Passive infrared sensors which helps to avoid detection by Russian electronic warfare systems

Importance of Gravehawk for Ukraine

Gravehawk system is part of a larger trend of hybrid air defense systems developed by NATO countries. It uses existing missiles to create a flexible defense system.
Speed and Efficiency: this system allows Ukraine to defend itself quickly without waiting for new supplies from NATO.

R-73 Missile Features

Type	It is a Short-range infrared guided air to air missile.
Original Purpose	It was Designed for close range aerial combat
Guidance	In this, Infrared (IR) seeker tracks heat from targets
Maneuverability	It Can move in any direction up to 40 degree off centerline. This makes it very flexible.
Range	It Can hit targets up to 40 km in the front and 300 meters behind
Usage in Ukraine	It was Used in Ukraine's drone boats & Unmanned Surface Vessels to target Russian air system.
Compatibility	It is Used by Ukrainian Air Force and available in the global arms market

Previous Hybrid Systems for Ukraine

FrankenSAM is Developed by the US & NATO
Other UK Systems: The UK has also developed its own FrankenSAM-like system, in this the AIM-132 ASRAAM missile is mounted on a mobile transporter.

Source: ET

Practice Question:

Q.With reference to the Gravehawk air defense system, consider the following statements:

The Gravehawk system uses Soviet R-73 missiles to defend against planes, drones, & missile.
The system can be mounted on a drop vehicle for fast transportation.
Gravehawk uses radar tracking to detect targets & it is vulnerable to electronic warfare.
The system is developed by Ukraine to enhance defense capabilities against Russian air attacks.

Which of the statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2, and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 3, and 4 only

Answer: (a)
Explanation:

●Statement 1 is correct: The Gravehawk system uses Soviet R-73 short-range missiles in a ground-based role.

●Statement 2 is correct: It is a mobile system that can be mounted on a drops vehicle for quick deployment.

●Statement 3 is incorrect: The system uses passive infrared sensors, not radar. And it is designed to avoid detection by electronic warfare.

●Statement 4 is incorrect: Gravehawk is developed by the UK and Denmark’s support to Ukraine against Russian attacks.