The United Kingdom has, for the first time in the history of the Royal Air Force, awarded members of an RAF regiment the status of “drone aces” after personnel destroyed a “significant number” of Iranian drones during operations in the Middle East, the Ministry of Defence reported.
Four service members reached what the Ministry described as “ace level,” each having taken down five or more drones. This marks the first time the designation has been applied to ground personnel within the RAF, as it has traditionally been reserved for fighter pilots who shoot down at least five enemy aircraft.
The personnel operate within counter-unmanned aerial systems units tasked with protecting British and allied forces, as well as regional infrastructure and equipment. The Ministry of Defence clarified that this involves a combination of early warning systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and the Rapid Sentry air defense system, equipped with Lightweight Multirole Missiles.
“We are all gunners of the Royal Air Force: some of us are only 18 years old, many have more than five confirmed kills, and some completed training just eight months ago. We are proud to represent a new generation of the Corps,” said one of the “drone aces.” “Operating under constant threat, we are responsible for detecting, tracking, and engaging targets, often under fire, yet we continue to reload and operate equipment even while missiles are falling around us.”
“Our units across the Middle East operate under some of the harshest conditions imaginable, carrying out their missions with professionalism, courage, and real combat skills. I am extremely proud of our Royal Air Force regiment,” emphasized Minister for Armed Forces Al Camps. “Some of these personnel have achieved ‘ace’ status by neutralizing Iranian drones. This is a first of its kind, and it is not only impressive but exceptional.”
The Ministry also reported that RAF regiment units, supported by engineers and surveillance specialists, played a key role in countering these threats. Notably, this included an operation conducted on the night of March 23–24, which was recognized as the most effective night defense operation in history.
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Source: ukdefencejournal
