16 Regiment Royal Artillery (16 Regt RA), proudly known as "The London Invicta Gunners," is the British Army’s sole Short to Medium Range Air Defence unit. Based alongside 12 Regiment at Baker Barracks on Thorney Island, their mission is to provide an "Area Air Defence" shield, protecting high-value ground assets—such as airfields, headquarters, and strategic infrastructure—from aerial attack. The regiment operates the cutting-edge Sky Sabre anti-aircraft system, which recently replaced the veteran Rapier missile.This highly advanced system, comprised of the Giraffe radar and Land Ceptor missiles, represents a massive leap in capability; it is precise enough to intercept a target the size of a tennis ball travelling at the speed of sound, effectively neutralizing threats ranging from stealthy cruise missiles to smart bombs and fighter jets.
