A secret coalition base in Iraq has been revealed as the primary front line for British forces, enduring six weeks of continuous bombardment by up to 28 Iranian-linked drones and missiles per day while the US and Israel attacked Iran.
Members of the RAF Regiment successfully intercepted more than 100 unmanned aircraft using the Rapid Sentry counter-drone system.
The intensity of the fighting was so high that several personnel were designated “aces” – a designation historically reserved for fighter pilots – for shooting down more than five enemy drones.
Operators of the Rapid Sentry system described high-tech warfare as requiring skills similar to gaming. Using controllers found on Xbox or PlayStation, soldiers fire laser-guided munitions at targets.
“I would argue that if it wasn’t for you guys this place would be a smoldering ruin,” Armed Forces Minister Alistair Carnes said during a tour of the site last week with Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smith, head of the Royal Air Force.
British soldiers from the Royal Air Force Regiment were responsible for intercepting more than 100 projectiles over a six-week period before a temporary ceasefire was agreed in April. The base has hosted UK, US and other armed personnel for more than 10 years as part of efforts to counter Daesh in the region.
Air Chief Marshal Smith confirmed that the conflict had triggered urgent internal discussions about expanding UK air defence. While a nationwide “Iran Dome” similar to Israel’s would be prohibitively expensive, the Defense Ministry is considering a large-scale investment to protect major cities and critical infrastructure.
According to defense officials, the conflict was a massive “warning bell”, noting that while Ukraine introduced the world to drone warfare, Iran’s recent intensification has proven that untested systems are now on the cutting edge of modern conflict.
Mr Carnes, who is addressing RAF Regiment personnel and other soldiers, said the unit’s efforts are helping all the UK armed forces learn more about drones.
