RAF Tornados showcased
27 Jan 10
The Tornado Force based at RAF Marham in Norfolk showcased its state-of-the-art technology, which is being used in Afghanistan to support ground forces in their counter-insurgency and counter-improvised explosive device campaigns, at a media event yesterday, Tuesday 26 January 2010.
A Tornado GR4 at Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan
[Picture: SAC Neil Chapman, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
This top class intelligence and surveillance capability, along with sophisticated weapons, is currently being used on the front line in Afghanistan by the Tornado GR4 fast jets.
Air Officer Commanding No 1 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Greg Bagwell, said:
"The fast jets of Number 1 Group have a long and distinguished history of delivering a range of combat airpower capabilities on operations at home and abroad in defence of UK territories and interests.
"The Tornado GR4 is equipped with the latest high-tech enhancements and supported by a motivated and adaptable workforce. They are making a highly valued contribution to the safety and security of both coalition land forces and civilians in Afghanistan."
The Tornado Force has been patrolling the skies over Afghanistan in support of Operation HERRICK since taking over from the Harrier Force in May last year.
Tornado GR4s support front line operations in Afghanistan
[Picture: SAC Neil Chapman, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
RAF Marham's Station Commander and Tornado Force Commander, Group Captain 'Rocky' Rochelle, commented:
"The Tornado Force is capable of increasing degrees of force depending upon the circumstances and if required offers a potent attack option, using a variety of state-of-the-art weapons."
The sophisticated capability of the Tornado and its surveillance technologies are playing a key role in Afghanistan by preventing mortar attacks on UK and international forces.
Its intelligence systems are also being used to search for improvised explosive devices, which are one of the largest threats to our personnel.
Officer Commanding 31 Squadron, Wing Commander 'Windy' Gale, said:
A Tornado GR4 at Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan
[Picture: SAC Neil Chapman, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
"A key role of the Tornado on operations is to gather intelligence. The state-of-the-art surveillance technology allows us to identify targets on the ground which enables us to find improvised explosive devices."
31 Squadron, who are part of the Tornado Force, arrived back in the UK in early January 2010 from three months of operations in Afghanistan.
31 Squadron conducted just under 400 sorties, with a quarter of those involving troops in contact with insurgents.
Flight Lieutenant 'Jules' Fleming said:
"On my first sortie in theatre we were airborne for just five minutes before we were called to assist troops in contact. They had been fired upon. When they are under attack you can hear it on the radio and hear the guys running.
"You want to do your best to help them. As they came under fire again, we were then able to help direct an Apache helicopter to come to their aid."
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