For the first time in history, RAF Regiment gunners have achieved the distinguished status of drone 'aces' after successfully intercepting and destroying multiple unmanned aircraft. Four crack gunners from the regiment earned this rare title while protecting British bases across the Middle East.
The term 'ace' dates back to the First World War, when pilots were honoured for shooting down five enemy planes. Armed forces minister Al Carns praised the gunners for shooting down Tehran's drones 'night after night, under threat'.
The RAF Regiment gunners are specialist ground-based soldiers tasked with safeguarding British airbases. They have been defending UK installations from Iran's Shahed drones using early warning sensors, electronic warfare, and the Rapid Sentry air defence system, which fires lightweight multirole missiles.
Mr Carns said: 'Our teams across the Middle East are operating in some of the most demanding conditions imaginable, and they are delivering with professionalism, courage and real combat skill. Several of these heroes have achieved ace status neutralising Iranian drones. The first of its kind, it isn't just impressive, it is exceptional.'
Air Commodore Paul Hamilton, commander of Global Enablement, added: 'Our deployed gunners are showing outstanding courage to defend deployed UK personnel, allies and partners every day. They are genuinely putting their own lives at risk in the defence of others.'
The Rapid Sentry system is also set to be deployed to Kuwait, defence secretary John Healey announced this week. The UK plans to buy more lightweight multirole missiles to supply British forces and allies.
