UK MoD Reveals Raven Air Defense System Armed with AIM-132 ASRAAM Missile

In a rapidly evolving battlefield where air superiority often dictates the outcome of engagements, short-range air defence (SHORAD) systems have become indispensable. Among the latest innovations in this domain is the Raven Air Defence System—a ground-breaking improvisation developed by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (UK MoD) and MBDA UK. Based on the Supacat HMT 600 platform and armed with the AIM-132 Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM), the Raven has emerged as a critical asset supplied to Ukraine in its ongoing conflict against Russian aerial threats. The Raven system represents an ingenious adaptation of existing technologies to meet urgent operational needs. At its core lies the ASRAAM, a highly capable imaging infrared homing missile originally designed for close-range air combat. With speeds exceeding Mach 3 and a range beyond 25 kilometers, the ASRAAM is renowned for its unmatched agility and precision. When integrated into the Supacat HMT 600—a globally recognized high-mobility transporter—the result is a mobile, versatile, and lethal SHORAD solution tailored for modern warfare.

The development of the Raven began in response to Ukraine’s dire need for effective short-range air defence capabilities. Facing relentless attacks from Russian drones, cruise missiles, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft, Ukrainian forces required a system that could operate efficiently under pressure while remaining adaptable to diverse tactical scenarios. In just four months, a joint team comprising personnel from MBDA UK and the UK MoD successfully adapted the ASRAAM for surface launch, mounting twin launchers atop the rugged Supacat HMT 600 chassis. This rapid engineering feat underscores the flexibility of both the missile and the vehicle platforms involved. The launch rails used in the Raven were sourced from decommissioned British jets like the Hawk, Jaguar, and Tornado, further demonstrating how legacy components can be repurposed to deliver cutting-edge solutions. By August 2023, these improvised but highly effective systems had already been deployed to Ukraine, providing much-needed protection against persistent aerial threats such as the Iranian-made Shahed 136 drones.

The Raven is equipped with a Hawkeye electro-optical suite mounted on the vehicle, enabling operators to conduct target surveillance and acquisition with remarkable accuracy. Operators can either control the system from inside the armored cab or remotely from up to 50 meters away. This remote operation capability ensures crew safety even if the vehicle’s location is compromised during missile launches—a crucial feature given the volatile nature of frontline engagements. The Supacat HMT 600 itself is no ordinary vehicle. Part of the High Mobility Transporter (HMT) family, its Armoured Closed Cab (ACC) variant prioritizes crew protection without sacrificing performance. Designed to accommodate four personnel—including a commander, driver, and two mission system operators—the ACC offers blast and ballistic protection suitable for a wide range of body sizes, ensuring comfort and safety in demanding environments. The HMT ACC adheres to Generic Vehicle Architecture (GVA) standards, allowing seamless integration of complex mission systems. With a payload capacity of approximately 4,000 kilograms, the vehicle serves as a robust mobility platform capable of fulfilling multiple roles beyond air defence, including anti-armour operations, medical evacuation, recovery missions, and troop transport.

Since its deployment, the Raven has proven its worth on the battlefield. According to reports, the system has achieved a staggering 70% success rate over more than 400 engagements. Such performance metrics highlight its effectiveness in countering a broad spectrum of aerial threats, from low-cost kamikaze drones to sophisticated cruise missiles and attack helicopters. For Ukrainian forces grappling with limited resources and overwhelming odds, the Raven has provided a lifeline, bolstering their ability to defend key positions and maintain operational momentum. By May 2025, the UK MoD confirmed that eight Raven systems had been delivered to Ukraine, with five additional units scheduled for transfer. While modest in number, these systems have made a disproportionate impact due to their mobility, ease of deployment, and lethality. Their presence on the frontlines has forced Russian forces to reconsider their tactics, knowing that their aerial assets are now vulnerable to interception by a highly responsive and precise SHORAD network.