RAF gunners have become the first ever drone “aces” during operations in the Middle East. The coveted title of “ace” traditionally refers to a pilot who shoots down a minimum of five enemy aircraft in combat. Four crack gunners in the RAF Regiment have becomes aces for the first time by blasting five or more Iranian drones out of the sky.
One of the new aces – whose identity has not been revealed – said in a statement: “We are all RAF Gunners – some as young as 18, many of us with over five confirmed engagements, and some just eight months out of training. We are proud to represent the next generation of the Corps. Under constant threat, we are responsible for detecting, tracking and engaging targets, often while coming under fire but we continue to load and operate equipment even as missiles land around us. We take immense pride in our role. Working long, demanding shifts in high-pressure conditions, we remain focused, determined, and resilient.”
Al Carns, the minister for the armed forces, said: “Our teams across the Middle East are operating in some of the most demanding conditions imaginable, and they are delivering with professionalism, courage and real combat skill. I am hugely 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. Several of these heroes have achieved ‘ace’ status neutralising Iranian drones. The first of its kind, it isn’t just impressive, it is exceptional. We don’t say it enough in the UK, but thank you for your service.
Britain will deploy the Rapid Sentry air defence system to Kuwait to support the country’s air defences against Iranian attacks. The MoD intends to buy more Lightweight Multirole Missiles, which are manufactured by Thales UK in Belfast, to supply to British forces and support partners in the region.
Wing Commander Richard Maughan said: “Since the outset 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 one‑way attack drones targeting UK and allied personnel, infrastructure, and assets in the Middle East. During March 23 an 24, RAF Regiment gunners operating within a ground‑based counter‑drone unit delivered the most effective defensive outcome achieved in a single night to date, underscoring the Regiment’s central role in force protection within a high‑threat environment.”
Air Commodore Paul Hamilton said: “Our deployed gunners are showing outstanding courage to defend deployed UK personnel, allies, and partners every day. They are genuinely putting their own lives at risk in the defence of others; as their Commandant General, I am extremely proud of the professionalism and self-sacrifice being displayed by these amazing people.”