RAF Tornado aircraft celebrates 25 years in Service

In 1968 the design studies for the Multi Role Combat Aircraft were initiated leading to the Tornado being produced by a consortium of aerospace industries in the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy. The first British assembled aircraft flew from Warton in Lancashire on 30 October 1974 followed by the first production GR1 flight on 10 July 1979.

The first of more than 228 Tornados entered service with the RAF on 6 January 1982, making IX (B) Squadron (then based at RAF Honington in Suffolk) the first operational Tornado GR1 squadron.

Providing a low-level, supersonic, all weather attack capability the Tornado GR has proven itself to be the back bone of the RAFs offensive capability. First seeing combat in the Gulf in 1991 and subsequently serving with distinction in many conflicts across the middle east and Europe to the present day.

A programme to upgrade over 140 of the GR1’s to the GR4 standard was instigated in the late 1990’s and completed in 2003. The Tornado has been based at many locations during its distinguished history both in the UK and abroad. Today the Tornado GR4, the latest version of the RAF’s primary attack aircraft, equips seven front-line squadrons at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland and RAF Marham in Norfolk, in addition to the XV (R) Squadron Operational Conversion Unit (OCU).

The capable GR4 fulfils the Air Interdiction, Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) and reconnaissance roles employing a vast array of weapons including precision-guided, freefall and retarded bombs, ALARMs, Storm Shadow stand-off missile, RAPTOR reconnaissance pod and the Brimstone anti-tank missile. It also equipped with the Mauser 27mm cannon, and, for self-defence, Sidewinder missiles.

Post Event Story and Photos

To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the GR Tornado, which was first delivered to No IX (Bomber) Squadron on 6 January 1982 at RAF Honington. A dinner was held at RAF Marham, the home of No II (Army Cooperation) Squadron, No IX (Bomber) Squadron, No XIII Squadron and 31 Squadron, where the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Glen Torphy, Ex-Squadron Commander of No XIII Squadron, was the guest of honour.

Among the guests were Air Chief Marshal Sir Patrick Hine, Air Marshals Goodall, Miller, McNicoll and Peach plus 120 other guests ranging from previous GR Tornado squadron commanders including the current Officers Commanding of No 12 (Bomber) Squadron, No 14 Squadron, No XV and 617 Squadrons from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, to captains of industry.

In his after dinner speech The Chief of the Air Staff spoke about the history of the aircraft, its operational record, the partnership with Industry and the Tornado's role in the future. In summary he said "The Tornado has been a great servant over the last 25 years. The aircraft, the Force and the wider Tornado community have proven themselves to be exceptionally capable, remarkably agile and widely adaptable to the UK's changing requirements for offensive airpower.

Despite the early uncertainties, difficult technical challenges and numerous detractors, I defy anyone to describe the performance of the Tornado over the last 25 years as anything but 'exemplary'.


Painters and Finishers with their artwork


RAF Tornado Squadron Standards on Display outside the Officers' Mess at RAF Marham


The Evening Dinner


Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Glen Torphy with Group Captain Phil Osborn, Station Commander RAF Marham (left) and Group Captain M Roberts Station Commander RAF Lossiemouth (right) with the 25th Anniversary Tornado GR4


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