Personnel from the RAF Regiment have become the first recorded drone “aces” after downing multiple Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles during operations in the Middle East, the UK Ministry of Defence said.
The designation, traditionally awarded to fighter pilots who shoot down five or more enemy aircraft, has now been applied to ground-based air defense operators. Four RAF gunners achieved the milestone after each recording at least five drone interceptions during recent operations.
The engagements took place as UK forces continue to counter persistent drone threats targeting British personnel and allied assets across the region. According to the Ministry of Defence, the gunners were operating in high-threat conditions, using a combination of sensors, electronic warfare, and the Rapid Sentry air defense system.
The platform is equipped with Lightweight Multirole Missile interceptors, designed for short-range engagements against aerial threats including small drones. UK officials said the system has proven effective in defending ground forces against one-way attack drones.
During operations on March 23 and 24, RAF Regiment units also recorded their most effective single night of defensive activity so far, intercepting multiple drones in coordinated engagements.
An RAF gunner involved in the operations described the conditions as demanding, with personnel working long shifts under constant threat while maintaining the ability to detect, track and engage incoming targets.
UK officials said the actions form part of a broader defensive posture aimed at protecting British interests and partners in the region without escalating the wider conflict.
Additional deployments are underway to reinforce those efforts. The UK plans to send further Rapid Sentry systems to Kuwait and has confirmed additional procurement of Lightweight Multirole Missiles to support both domestic forces and partner nations.
Representatives from the RAF are set to address attendees at the Counter UAS Technology Europe conference in London on April 20-22 where they will share operational experience of RAF counter-drone efforts.
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Post Image Credit: Gov.UK
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