Free Republic

The Tornado has launched hundreds of airstrikes on so-called Islamic State in the Middle East (Picture: MOD). Built more than 40 years ago to fight a nuclear war, the RAF's primary ground attack platform is due to be retired from service by March 2019. The Tornado can also conduct intelligence gathering missions and is armed with a variety of Paveway bombs, Brimstone air-to-air missiles and Storm Shadow cruise missiles. The aircraft also possesses an Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) for defensive purposes. When deployed in an armed reconnaissance or close air support role, it would usually be armed with...

Europe’s Panavia Tornado will remain in use as a relevant frontline asset for more than another 10 years, according to its programme partners, even though one of its main operators does not plan to retain the type beyond the end of the decade. The multinational effort that led to the Tornado’s creation began in 1969, and partner nations Germany, Italy and the UK on 16 September formally marked the 40th anniversary of the variable geometry design’s first flight. Also present were senior representatives from the Royal Saudi Air Force: the only export customer to have introduced the model. Staged at...

RAF Tornado fleet 'faces axe' in bid to save £7.5bn By Katherine Faulkner Last updated at 6:46 AM on 30th July 2010 The RAF’s fleet of Tornado jets is expected to be grounded as a result of savage budget cuts imposed on the Ministry of Defence. Scrapping the 120-strong fleet, which has been a mainstay of the RAF for more than 30 years, would yield cuts of more than £7.5 billion for the MoD, which has been ordered by the treasury to slash its spending by up to 20 per cent. Grounding the Tornado would save billions more than withdrawing...

October 7, 2007 RAF cuts to axe quarter of key bombers Michael Smith The RAF is to lose a quarter of its frontline bomber force and two bases in new cuts to be pushed through by the Treasury, according to senior defence sources. Two squadrons of Tornado GR4 ground attack aircraft will be scrapped, cutting the RAF’s frontline squadrons from eight to six. One helicopter base and one training base will also be closed, with the land sold off to raise cash. The move comes as the Royal Navy is braced for big cuts to its surface fleet with all...