New generation of drone-killing RAF ‘aces’ foil Iran attacks | Politics | News
RAF gunners became the first unmanned aerial vehicle “aces” during operations in the Middle East. The coveted title of “ace” traditionally denotes a pilot who has shot down at least five enemy aircraft in combat. Four snipers in the RAF Regiment became aces for the first time, shooting five or more Iranian drones out of the sky.
One of the new aces, who has not been identified, said in a statement: “We are all RAF Gunners; some of us are 18 years old, most of us have been on more than five confirmed missions and some of us have only been out of training for eight months. We are proud to represent the next generation of the Corps. We are responsible for detecting, tracking and attacking targets under constant threat, often under fire, but we continue to load and operate equipment even as missiles descend around us. We take great pride in our role. Working in high-pressure conditions “We remain focused, determined and resilient despite long and challenging shifts.”
Armed Forces Minister Al Carns said: “Our teams in the Middle East operate in the harshest conditions imaginable and serve with professionalism, courage and true combat skills. I am immensely proud of our RAF Regiment. Night after night, under threat, they protect British lives and British interests, and they do so in the best traditions of the RAF Regiment. Several of these heroes have achieved ‘ace’ status by neutralizing Iranian drones. The first of their kind, This is not only impressive, it is extraordinary. United We don’t say this enough in the Kingdom, but thank you for your service.
The UK will deploy the Rapid Sentry air defense system to Kuwait to bolster the country’s air defenses against Iranian attacks. The Ministry of Defense plans to purchase more Light Multi-Purpose Missiles manufactured by Thales UK in Belfast to supply British forces and support partners in the region.
Wing Commander Richard Maughan said: “Since the start of the conflict in late February 2026, RAF Regiment personnel, supported by Royal Air Force engineers and air surveillance officers, have been at the forefront of countering persistent unidirectional attack drones targeting UK and allied personnel, infrastructure and assets in the Middle East. “On 23 and 24 March, RAF Regiment gunners operating within a land-based counter-drone unit carried out the attack. “The most effective defensive result achieved in a single night to date underlines the Regiment’s central role in force protection in a high-threat environment.”
Air Commander Paul Hamilton said: “Our deployed gunners demonstrate extraordinary bravery every day in defense of deployed UK personnel, allies and partners. They literally risk their own lives in the defense of others; as Commanding Generals, I am immensely proud of the professionalism and sacrifice demonstrated by these amazing people.”
