Iconic RAF Tornado jets fly for the last time after 40 years defending Britain

THE iconic RAF Tornado jets have landed on British soil after flying for the last time.

They are due to be replaced by Typhoons after spending 40 years defending Britain.

13

After entering service in 1979 the jets have been used all over the world - most recently bombing Isis with missiles to push the terrorist group back through Syria and Iraq.

Squadron members were welcomed back by family and friends as they landed this afternoon at RAF Marham, Norfolk.

Originally named the Tornado GR1 the aircraft’s first use in live operations was during the Gulf War in 1991, when 60 Tornado GR1s were deployed from bases in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

Later they were upgraded to the GR4 model, which has been used ever since over the skies of Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria.

From now on they will only be used for training purposes over the UK, before the Typhoons officially take on the mantle in March.

The new and improved RAF jets will make up the backbone of the UK's combat airfleet - joining the new fleet of F-35 Lightning jets.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: "It is with a heavy heart, but enormous pride, that we bid farewell to the Tornado from operations.

"This truly is the end of an era, having played a vital role in keeping Britain and its allies safe for four decades.

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

"But, after so long in service, it is only right that we now look to the future.

"The combination of our state-of-the art F35s and the Typhoon’s new weapon systems will keep us as a world leader in air combat for a generation."

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier said: "My sincerest congratulations to the Tornado Force, returning home after more than 4 years of continuous commitment to defeating Daesh in Iraq and Syria - an exceptional effort from everyone, well done and thank you.

"As a Tornado GR4 pilot myself, I have seen the aircraft develop over its nearly 40 years of service into an outstanding combat aircraft, flown, maintained and supported by similarly outstanding air and groundcrew.

'IMMENSE PRIDE'

"The Tornado Force has been continuously deployed on operations since 1990, serving with immense distinction in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Libya and the Balkans.

"I will personally be very sad to see the Tornado retire, but it is time now to pass the baton to our next generation combat aircraft.

"The F-35B Lightning is now operational and the Typhoon is now fully multi-role capable and able to take on the Tornado’s missions.

"We can all take immense pride in what the Tornado has achieved in defence of the nation over nearly four decades, and reflect back on the courage, commitment and achievements of everyone who has contributed to the success of this extraordinary aircraft."

MOST READ IN NEWS

TENSIONS RISE

Rishi braces for key mayoral results in local elections as Labour make gains

CLINGING ON?

Bookies slash odds on shock defeat for Sadiq Khan in London as Tories cut gap

JEREMY CLARKSON

Youngsters who won't get job don't contribute - my patience is wearing thin

NO GO ZONE

Major power outage after city plunges into darkness in 'critical incident'

The RAF has already trialled its Typhoon and F-35 Forces’ abilities to work together.

In a series of trials, the effectiveness of both platforms when operating alongside one another has been confirmed.

With its larger payload and increased agility and range, the Typhoon will operate in concert with the stealthy F-35 and its next-generation sensors, delivering the UK a force ready to counter evolving threats in the global environment.

13

13

13

13

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368. You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.