RAF intercept 100+ Iranian drones to defend secret Middle East base

A secret coalition base in Iraq has been revealed as a primary frontline for British forces, enduring a relentless six-week bombardment of 28 Iranian-linked drones and missiles per day while the US and Israel attacked Iran. 

Members of the RAF Regiment successfully intercepted more than 100 unmanned aircraft using the Rapid Sentry counter-drone system. 

The intensity of the combat was so high that several personnel have been designated “aces”- a title historically reserved for fighter pilots-for shooting down more than five enemy drones each.

Operators of the Rapid Sentry system described the high-tech combat as requiring skills similar to gaming. Using controllers akin to those found on an Xbox or PlayStation, soldiers steer laser-guided munitions onto targets.

“I would argue this place would be a smouldering wreck if it wasn't for you guys,” Alistair Carns, the armed forces minister, said during a visit to the site last week along with Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, the head of the Royal Air Force.

British soldiers from the Royal Air Force Regiment were responsible for intercepting more than 100 projectiles across a six-week period before a temporary ceasefire was agreed in April. The base has hosted UK, US and other armed personnel for more than 10 years as part of efforts to counter Daesh in the region.

Air Chief Marshal Smyth confirmed that the conflict has sparked urgent internal discussions about expanding the UK’s air defenses. While a nationwide “Iran Dome” similar to Israel’s would be prohibitively expensive, the MOD is weighing a scaled-up investment to protect key cities and critical infrastructure. 

According to defense officials, the conflict was a massive “wake-up call”, noting that while Ukraine introduced the world to drone warfare, the recent intensity from Iran has proven that uncrewed systems are now the cutting edge of modern conflict. 

Mr Carns, who has been addressing RAF Regiment personnel and other troops, said the unit’s efforts are helping the entirety of the UK armed forces learn more about drones.