The UK’s Royal Air Force Regiment (RAF) is conducting self‑defence engagements against drones threatening coalition personnel and facilities across the Middle East.
“Specialist teams from No. 2 Counter‑Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C‑UAS) Wing employ a combination of electronic and kinetic systems to detect, track, identify and defeat hostile drones before they can endanger aircraft, infrastructure or personnel,” the RAF said on March 17. “Operating from established UK positions, they work as part of a coalition effort alongside the US, British Army and wider RAF, ensuring a coherent and coordinated defensive response.”
To meet recent demand, the RAF has deployed additional C‑UAS capability with advanced detection and defeat systems such as Orcus and Ninja, which combines radar and radio frequency technology to provide a precise defensive intercept option at range.
Over the past few weeks, RAF Regiment operators have successfully engaged multiple drones directed towards coalition forces. The RAF said each engagement has been conducted within “strict self‑defence rules, using proven force protection measures that have prevented threats from impacting operational activity”.
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Image: Royal Air Force
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