The Panavia Tornado was jointly developed by the UK, West Germany and Italy in three primary versions: the Tornado IDS (Interdictor/Strike) fighter-bomber; the suppression of enemy air defences Tornado ECR (Electronic Combat/Reconnaissance), and the Tornado ADV (Air Defence Variant) Interceptor.  It is one of the world’s most sophisticated and capable interdiction and attack aircraft, with a large payload, long range and high survivability.

During 1984, No.20 Sqn re-equipped with Tornado GR1s at RAF Wildenrath, Germany, and these remained until the unit disbanded in May 1992.