RAF gunners earn title of drone ‘aces’ for first time in history
For the first time in history, RAF Regiment gunners have achieved elite drone ‘aces’ status after successfully intercepting and destroying multiple drones. Four artillerymen from the regiment earned this rare title while fulfilling their critical role in protecting British bases in the Middle East. The designation “ace” dates back to World War II, when pilots were given the honor of shooting down five enemy aircraft.
Minister of the Armed Forces Al Carns praised their extraordinary efforts and praised them for bringing down Tehran’s drones “under threat every night.” RAF Regiment gunners are specialist land-based soldiers specifically tasked with protecting British air bases from potential threats. Their latest operations saw them protect UK facilities in the Middle East against Iranian Shahed drones; This is a vital task that has been undertaken since the beginning of the American-Israeli war with Iran.
The regiment’s new-age “aces” have in their arsenal a variety of tools for targeting unmanned aerial vehicles, including early warning sensors, electronic warfare and a short-range missile launcher weapon called the Rapid Sentry air defense system.
Mr Carns said: “Our teams in the Middle East operate in the most challenging conditions imaginable and they do so with professionalism, courage and true combat prowess.
“I am immensely proud of our RAF Regiment.
“They protect British lives and interests under threat night after night and they do so in the best traditions of the RAF Regiment.
“Many of these heroes have achieved ‘ace’ status in neutralizing Iran’s drones.
“The first of its kind, it is not only impressive but extraordinary.
“We don’t say this enough in the UK, but thank you for your service.”
Global Enablement Command Air Commodore Paul Hamilton said: “Our deployed artillery demonstrates extraordinary bravery in defending deployed UK personnel, allies and partners every day.
“They literally risk their own lives in the defense of others; as their Commander, I am extremely proud of the professionalism and sacrifice displayed by these amazing people.”
Defense Secretary John Healey announced this week that the Rapid Sentry system, used to shoot down Iranian drones approaching British bases, will also be deployed to Kuwait.
The system is armed with lightweight multi-role missiles (LMMs) and Britain has said it plans to buy more of them to supply British forces and their allies.
