Afghanistan

Tornado clocks up one million flying hours

The RAF's Tornado attack aircraft clocked up a million flying hours this week after more than three decades of service.

The milestone time - equivalent to flying to the sun and back twice - was reached in Afghanistan where it is currently being used. It is also in service in Libya and has been deployed in both Gulf Wars and the Balkans since it was first flown by the RAF in 1979.

It was flown through its millionth flying hour this week by Number 617 Squadron, known as the Dambusters for its role in the Second World War.

The Tornado is valued for its highly accurate precision missiles targeting everything from small moving vehicles to heavily fortified bunkers. It is also used in reconnaissance, using high-tech sensors to detect enemies, pass video to troops on the ground and take detailed pictures.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, said: "Tornado has been used to deny enemy airfields and strike their hardware and infrastructure, enforce no-fly zones, provide close air support to troops on the ground and it continues to be a world-leading combat intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft in Afghanistan and Libya.

"The range of sophisticated precision weapons and cutting-edge sensors Tornado carries and the ability to grow these capabilities further will provide the Royal Air Force with the rapid far-reaching air power it requires to protect the nation's interests for many years to come."

Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox said: "This impressive milestone is testament not only to the Tornado as a cutting-edge military aircraft but also to the skill and professionalism of the RAF aircrew, engineers, and support staff who have supported it in service for more than 30 years, and who continue to deliver its world-leading ground attack and reconnaissance capabilities today in Libya and Afghanistan."