Aircraft
Britain and Germany Are Still Upgrading the Tornado
Upgrades could continue on other British platforms after 2019 retirement; Germany plan to operate the aircraft at least through 2025.
New British Defence Minister Michael Fallon with the Tornado deployment at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus. A Litening III EO/IR targeting pod is visible on the aircraft in the background. (Photo: MoD Crown Copyright 2014)
New British Defence Minister Michael Fallon with the Tornado deployment at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus. A Litening III EO/IR targeting pod is visible on the aircraft in the background. (Photo: MoD Crown Copyright 2014)

The deployment of four UK Royal Air Force Tornadoes to perform overwatch of Iraq, and an unconfirmed report last week that more might be deployed for surveillance of northern Nigeria, serves to illustrate the ongoing value of the aging but effective “Tonka.” Although the RAF fleet is scheduled to be retired in 2019 in favor of the F-35, upgrades continue, with another one announced recently. Meanwhile, the German air force intends to keep its Tornado fleet until at least 2025, with its own upgrades.