Bugle Summer 2026 - Flipbook - Page 15
2 RIFLES
OP SHADER 21: HOLDING THE LINE IN A HIGH-THREAT THEATRE
C Company Group deployed on Op SHADER
21 from September 2025 to March 2026,
taking over from B Company and continuing
their strong legacy. The role focused on
providing force protection and mobility
for multinational military advisers to local
security forces, while supporting and
enabling the RAF Counter-Uncrewed Aerial
Systems (C-UAS) detachment in theatre.
The tour unfolded in two distinct phases.
The initial period proved highly rewarding,
with Riflemen rapidly developing competence
in convoy operations and close protection,
underpinned by strong cultural awareness.
Building on the networks and lessons
established by B Company, C Company
maintained operational momentum while
adapting to the complexities created by
accelerated US withdrawal timelines across
Iraq and Syria.
Rising tensions between Iran, its proxies,
and Western forces shaped much of the threat
environment. As US forces consolidated, UK
elements were gradually withdrawn, with the
majority of C Company repositioned to Cyprus
as theatre reserve. A small forward element
remained in situ to support base defence.
In Cyprus, life mirrored that of a Roulement
Infantry Battalion, maintaining readiness,
sustaining morale, and conducting focused
training, including C-UAS live firing. This
relative calm was disrupted during Operation
EPIC STORM, when a SHAHED UAS struck an
aircraft hangar close to accommodation.
Forward deployed elements faced a
more sustained threat. Following weeks of
preparation, Iranian UAS activity escalated into
persistent drone, missile, and rocket attacks.
Over a three-week period, personnel endured
near-continuous strikes, with UK and US air
defence systems intercepting the majority. The
RAF Regiment demonstrated notable bravery
throughout, engaging aerial threats and
observing ballistic missile attacks they could
not counter.
Despite the intensity, C Company
maintained operational effectiveness. Junior
NCOs, overseen by a Platoon Commander,
ensured continuity of operations, sustained
defensive positions, and upheld discipline
under pressure. A well-rehearsed MEDEVAC
plan provided reassurance across the force,
while repeated strikes left visible damage
across the camp, including unexploded
ordnance and impact craters.
Two qualities defined the Company’s
performance, courage and professionalism.
Their composure and humour reassured
coalition partners, while their willingness
continuing
the
Regiment’s
tradition
of being
amongst
the 昀椀rst
in and last
out
to operate outside protected areas, often
to support evacuation flights, was critical.
Hundreds of military personnel and civilians
were moved by RAF aircraft, enabled by
coordinated efforts across RAF and Army
teams. The CSM’s calm authority ensured safe
and efficient aircraft turnaround, even during
periods of sustained attack.
The deployment reinforced fundamental
lessons in modern warfare, particularly the
importance of logistics, sustainability, and
depth of resource. Close cooperation with US
counterparts at the tactical level proved highly
effective, despite limited information flow at
higher echelons.
With Op INHERENT RESOLVE concluding in
February, C Company can reasonably claim
to be among the final UK mobility elements
deployed on SHADER, and the last RIFLES
sub-unit in theatre for the foreseeable future,
continuing the Regiment’s tradition of being
amongst the first in and last out.
RIFLES The Bugle 15
