Armed Forces Minister Al Carns praises quartet who shot down five or more Iranian drones
Armed Forces Minister Al Carns today praised four RAF Regiment gunners for becoming the first to achieve “ace” status in the drone warfare era.
They were each awarded this title after shooting down five or more Iranian uncrewed aerial systems during operations in the Middle East.
The designation echoes the Second World War tradition of naming a pilot an “ace” after they destroyed five or more enemy aircraft – a mark of respect now revived to recognise a new generation of air defenders protecting British personnel, partners and interests in the region.
‘This isn’t just impressive, it is exceptional’
Carns, MP for Birmingham Selly Oak, reacting to the news, 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.”
Under fire and loading
The gunners operate a layered defensive system combining early-warning sensors, electronic warfare and the Rapid Sentry air defence platform armed with Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) made by Thales UK in Belfast.
One of the newly designated aces said: “We are responsible for detecting, tracking and engaging targets, often while coming under fire. We continue to load and operate equipment even as missiles land around us.”
The gunner added:. “We are proud to represent the next generation of the Corps.”
Last week RAF Regiment gunners achieved what Wing Commander Richard Maughan, the offficer commanding No.2 Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems Wing, described as “the most effective defensive outcome achieved in a single night to date.”
Political and military response
Air Commodore Paul Hamilton, Commander Global Enablement, said the gunners were “genuinely putting their own lives at risk in the defence of others.”
The action comes as the Defence Secretary announced the deployment of Rapid Sentry to Kuwait, with the MOD also confirming plans to procure further LMMs for British forces and regional partners.
