Overview of the Panavia Tornado Joined the Service: 1979 Retirement Status: Retired in 2019 (RAF) Price: *$59.6 million Key Highlights Development: The Panavia Tornado is a fleet of twin-engine, multirole, variable-sweep combat aircraft developed collaboratively by the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy.
Configurations: The Tornado is available in three main configurations:
Interceptor Strike (IDS): Designed for ground attack missions. Electronic Combat/Reconnaissance (ECR): Focused on electronic warfare and intelligence gathering. Interceptor Aircraft (ADV): Tailored for air defense roles.
Overview of the Panavia Tornado
Key Highlights Stakeholders: Panavia is primarily owned by BAE Systems and Airbus SE, reflecting a strong collaboration in its development and production.
Maiden Flight: The Tornado made its first flight in 1974, showcasing its innovative design before entering service.
Official Debut: It officially entered service in 1979 and remained a key asset in various air forces.
Retirement: The Royal Air Force (RAF) retired the Tornado in 2019, marking the end of its operational history with that branch.
Current Operators: The Tornado is still in use by the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF), Indian Air Force (IAF), and German Air Force (GAF), demonstrating its lasting relevance in military aviation.
