A new Frankenstein weapon built by Britain has played a critical role in defending Ukraine from Russian drones and cruise missiles, it has been revealed. The UK has been secretly supplying the Raven air defence system since November 2022 after a rapid procurement process.

It has emerged the short-range weapon has been used to protect power facilities, hospitals and frontline units - it is also believed to have been used as an additional line of defence outside the Presidential Palace in Kyiv. Colonel Olly Todd, of the UK’s Kindred Task Force which helps arm Ukraine, said it has proved particularly effective against the Iranian-made Shahed drones that Russia has used extensively to target Ukrainian infrastructure. The Royal Marines officer hailed it as "one of the most effective" air defence systems in Ukraine.