Article Posted on : - Mar 02, 2011

A Tornado GR4 aircraft operated by the Royal Air Force takes off from RAF Marham in Norfolk. Photo: UK MoD

LONDON (BNS): Royal Air Force Monday has announced to formally stand down the number 13 and 14 Tornado squadrons from the service on 1st June 2011.

The 13 Squadron, based at RAF Marham and 14 Squadron, based at RAF Lossiemouth have been selected to be disbanded by the Air Force Board Standing Committee, taking into account the operational commitments and the relative seniority of the squadrons at each base.

Earlier in December 2009, the government had decided to reduce the number of Tornado or Harrier squadrons, but left the detail of the reductions to the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR).

The RAF will retain five front line Tornado squadrons with a total fleet of 136 GR4 aircraft.