RAF Tornado-GR4 complete Afghan mission

RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2014 Royal Air Force Tornado GR4 fighter fleet have completed their mission in Afghanistan and are heading back t...

RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2014

Royal Air Force Tornado GR4 fighter fleet have completed their mission in Afghanistan and are heading back to the UK after more than five years of operations in the country.

The fast jets, from 31 Squadron based at RAF Marham, Norfolk, flew out of Kandahar airfield on Nov 11, having flown their final missions.

The Air and ground crew will now make their way via RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus, to RAF Marham home base.

The squadron have provided vital support to NATO efforts in the country since they took over from RAF Harriers in June 2009.

During its time in Afghanistan, the Tornado GR4 has provided vital information about enemy activity on the ground, using the Litening III and RAPTOR reconnaissance pods to spot potential hazards such as roadside bombs. The jets have also provided close air support deterring enemy forces by flying low and fast over their location or striking important targets with precision.