RAF Regiment gunners have been named as "aces" for the first ever in the unit's history.
The term "ace" is traditionally used for pilots who shoot down five or more enemy aircraft.
But for the first time, four RAF Regiment gunners, ground-based soldiers who focus on air base defence, have been awarded the honour by taking out five or more Iranian drones.
The term was historically given to pilots shooting down planes in the Second World War, and the evolution of the term of respect shows how warfare has changed across eras.
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The "aces" use a variety of complex defence systems to protect RAF personnel and equipment.
One of the key innovations are start-of-the-art Rapid Sentry air defence systems armed with Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM).
They combine this with early-warning sensors, and electronic warfare.
A newly-honoured RAF Regiment gunner "ace" said they take "immense pride" in defending Britain's air bases, and the unit represented the "next generation of the Corps".
The Rapid Sentry air defence system armed with Lightweight Multirole Missiles is one of the main tools to intercept drones
|MoD
They 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."
Conservative MP for Bracknell and former Colonel in the British Army, James Sunderland told GB News it was nice to hear ground-based soldiers honoured with the term.
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The new aces, some as young as 18, achieved the honour by shooting down five or more drones
|MoD
He said: "We are always hearing about the tales and daring of RAF pilots.
"It's nice for a change to be hearing about gunners, RAF Regiment members who operate on the ground and to think they've shot down so many Iranian drones and be rewarded for it, I think is a really good thing."
In addition to shooting down Iranian drones, the RAF Regiment is deployed all over the world to aid in operations, Col (Ret.) Sunderland said.
He said: "They deploy all over the world wherever the RAF are based. So effectively they are a specialised ground combat force. They conduct airfield defense tasks, force protection, counterattack operations, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear activities, forward air control.
Labour and Conservative MPs have praised the aces for protecting British interests in the Middle East
|MoD
The RAF Regiment gunners go wherever the RAF is based in order to protect secure the defence of bases
|MoD
"And they secure forward operating bases. So very much a ground based element of the RAF. But where they're really good is in providing a mobile type defense. They protect runways, they protect perimeters, they protect ground forces."
Armed Forces Minister, Al Carns, said he was "hugely proud" of the soldiers who were protecting British interests in the region.
He 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."
He said the neutralisation of Iranian drones by the regiment was described as "exceptional" by the minister.
He added: "We don’t say it enough in the UK, but thank you for your Service."