Rapid Sentry Air Defense System (Image: MOD)
Gunners from an RAF regiment have earned drone “aces” status for the first time in history after destroying unmanned systems from the sky. Four crack gunners from the regiment won the title while doing their job protecting British bases in the Middle East.
The title of “ace” is based on the same World War II definition, when pilots were described as having shot down five enemies. Armed Forces Minister Al Carnes praised them for shooting down Tehran’s drone “night after night, in danger.”
Gunner “Ace” of an RAF regiment said: “We are all RAF gunners – some 18 years old, many of us more than five confirmed, and some have had just eight months’ training. Under constant threat, we are responsible for locating, tracking and attacking targets, often while coming under fire, but we continue to load and operate equipment, even as missiles fall around us.
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Defense Secretary Al Carnes praised the soldiers’ ‘extraordinary’ efforts (Image: Getty)
“We take great pride in our role. Working long hours, demanding change in high-pressure situations, we remain focused, determined and flexible.”
RAF Regiment gunners are specialist soldiers deployed on the ground at British airbases, with the aim of protecting them from threats.
Since the start of the US-Israeli war with Iran, gunmen have been protecting British bases in the Middle East from Iranian drones.
The new-age “aces” of the regiment have a variety of equipment in their arsenal to target drones, including early warning sensors, electronic warfare and a short-range missile launching weapon called the Rapid Sentry air defense system.
Mr Carnes said: “Our teams across the Middle East are operating in conditions more difficult than we ever imagined, and they are operating with professionalism, courage and real warfighting skills.
“I am very proud of our RAF Regiment.
“Night after night, under threat, they are protecting British lives and British interests, and doing so in the finest traditions of the RAF Regiment.
“Many of these heroes have achieved ‘ace’ status by neutralizing Iranian drones.
“The first of its kind, it is not only impressive, but extraordinary.
“In the UK we don’t say it enough, but thank you for your service.”
The title of ‘Ace’ is given to those soldiers who kill five or more (Image: MOD)
Air Commodore Paul Hamilton, Commander, Global Enablement, said: “Our deployed gunners are showing outstanding courage every day to protect deployed UK personnel, allies and partners.
“They are truly risking their lives in defense of others; as their Commandant General, I am extremely proud of the professionalism and self-sacrifice demonstrated by these amazing people.”
The Rapid Sentry system, used to shoot down Iranian drones approaching British bases, is also set to be deployed to Kuwait, Defense Secretary John Healey announced this week.
The system is equipped with lightweight multirole missiles (LMM), and the UK has said it plans to buy more of these to supply British forces and allies.
