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RAF Regiment gunners in the Middle East
become 'aces' for the first time in the unit's
history.
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The “Ace” term is
traditionally used for a pilot who shoots
down at least five enemy aircraft in
combat.
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Gunners in the RAF Regiment have won the term for the first
time through shooting down five or more Iranian drones.
Crack gunners from the RAF Regiment have
become ‘aces' for the first
time, having blasted Iranian drones out of the
sky during operations in the
Middle East, protecting British interests,
partners, and personnel in the region.
The four personnel achieved “ace” status by taking out
five or more drones during operations in the Middle
East.
The 'ace' title is based on the same definition used in
the Second World War, when a pilot
was named an 'ace' if they shot down five or
more enemy aircraft.
The evolution of the much-acclaimed mark of respect and
recognition demonstrates how no matter the era, the RAF
still protects the skies.
The new ‘aces' operate a complex system of defences to
protect personnel and equipment on the ground. To
defeat the enemy, they combine early-warning
sensors, electronic warfare, and
the state-of-the-art Rapid Sentry air defence
system armed with Lightweight Multirole Missiles
(LMM).
RAF Regiment gunners in the Middle East face a range of
threats, including from uncrewed systems, hostile drones, and
complex swarming technologies designed to disrupt operations and
endanger personnel on the ground.
An RAF Regiment gunner ‘ace' said:
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.
Minister for the Armed Forces MP 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.
Wing Commander Richard Maughan, Officer Commanding No. 2
Counter‑Uncrewed Aerial Systems Wing 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 the 23rd and 24th of March, 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 Cdre Paul Hamilton, Commander Global
Enablement:
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.
This defensive action is in line with the UK's policy to defend
British people, interests, and partners in the region while
avoiding being drawn into the wider conflict.
It comes as the Defence Secretary this week announced that
the UK will deploy Rapid Sentry to Kuwait to support the
country's air defence against Iranian attacks.
The MOD also confirmed last week that the UK intends to
buy further Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) to supply to
British forces and support partners in the region, including with
training in the UK where needed.
As RAF Regiment gunners have shown, Lightweight Multirole
Missiles, manufactured by Thales UK in Belfast, have proven
highly capable for air defence in the Middle East.
