RAF Regiment gunners have earned the status of drone “aces” for the first time in history after blasting unmanned systems out of the sky. Four crack gunners from the regiment won the title while they carried out their job of protecting British bases in the Middle East.

The title of “ace” is based on the same definition as in the Second World War, when pilots were described as such if they shot down five enemies. Armed forces minister Al Carns lauded them for shooting down Tehran’s drones “night after night, under threat”.

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. 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.”

RAF Regiment gunners are specialist soldiers based on the ground at British airbases, aimed at protecting them from threats.

Since the start of the American-Israeli war with Iran, the gunners have been defending UK bases across the Middle East from Iran’s Shahed drones.

The new age “aces” from the regiment have a variety of tools in their arsenal to target the drones, including early warning sensors, electronic warfare, and a short-range missile launching weapon called the Rapid Sentry air defence system.

Mr Carns 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.”

Air Commodore Paul Hamilton, Commander, Global Enablement, 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.”

The Rapid Sentry system being used to shoot down Iranian drones approaching British bases is also set to be deployed to Kuwait, Defence Secretary John Healey announced this week.

The system is armed with lightweight multirole missiles (LMMs), and the UK has said it plans to buy more of these to supply British forces and allies.