Ukraine builds effective drone defense using old missiles

In Ukraine, the Raven system has emerged as a novel defense technology against Russian drones. This medium truck, designed with a surplus of air-to-air missiles, has been operational since at least 2023, with its public debut in recent months through official videos. To create the Raven, British engineers combined parts from retired Royal Air Force fighter jets with a modified Supacat truck base. The result is a system that effectively utilizes advanced short-range air-to-air missiles, specifically the ASRAAM missile, capable of targeting drones at distances up to 15 miles. As Ukrainian forces continue to confront challenges from Russian air assaults, systems like the Raven are becoming crucial for air defense. This integration of disparate military hardware began in earnest in 2022, as the U.K. Defense Ministry worked on developing solutions to combat the Russian military's expanded operations in Ukraine. The transition led to a series of opportunistic adaptations that the Ukrainian military undertook to bolster its air defenses with available resources. While the Raven represents an innovative approach blending older technology with contemporary operational needs, it is only one example of a broader strategy called