The British Tornado fighter aircraft are decommissioned after 40 years of operation in UK air base in Cyprus Island. The last three Tornado that had stayed at the Cape base in Greek Cyprus departed yesterday for their final flight, returning to the UK and specifically to Marham Airbase in Norfolk. The other five Tornado in recent years in Greek Cyprus had returned to the same base on Monday.

The Tornado was put into service by the Royal Air Force in the United Kingdom in 1979 and has been the frontrunner of the British Force in Syria and Iraq, based on Cape Verde. Their first involvement in a military operation was in the Gulf War in 1991 against the forces of Saddam Hussein.

According to defence-point.gr website, Tornados will be replaced by Typhoon aircraft, which have already carried out missions from Akrotiri and the newest F35 Lightning fighters.

The Panavia Tornado GR.Mk 4 is the UK’s primary ground attack platform and also fulfils reconnaissance role. The aircraft conducts attack missions against planned targets, armed reconnaissance against targets of opportunity and close air support (CAS) for ground forces, typically under the control of a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC).