RAF Tornado Units in Combat 1992-2019

The mainstay of the RAF frontline for more than 30 years, the Panavia Tornado GR 1/4 and F 3 carried out almost continuous operational tasks between 1990 and 2019. Tornado GR 1s flew missions over Iraq throughout the 1990s and over Kosovo in 1999, while Tornado F 3s patrolled the Balkans. Both the Tornado GR 4 and F 3 were involved in the second Gulf War, and between 2003 and 2019 the Tornado GR 4 continued with operations over Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan and latterly Syria. Although the final Tornado F 3s were withdrawn from service in March 2011, the Tornado GR 4 soldiered on for a further eight years. During that time the aircraft would prove to be a highly valuable tool, with its unique multirole capabilities enabling it to support ground operations with the Raptor reconnaissance pod, Brimstone missiles and Paveway IV laser-guided bombs. In this volume, former Tornado GR 1 pilot Michael Napier chronicles the critically important role played by the RAF's premier strike aircraft and first-hand accounts and action photography. Osprey Combat Aircraft Series Comprehensive histories of fighting aircraft and their crews, highlighting their vital role in the development of warfare in the 20th and 21st centuries, A unique source of information, researched by recognised experts and brought to life by first-hand accounts from the combat veterans themselves, Concise, authoritative text is supported by at least 30 original colour artworks, specially commissioned scale drawings, and the best archival photography from around the world Book jacket.