THE last Tornado squadron based at RAF Lossiemouth in Moray will stage a final flypast before it is disbanded.
The Tornado has been the key fast attack jet for the RAF for almost 40 years, but it is now being replaced by Eurofighter Typhoons.
A flypast and simulated ground attack will form the culmination of the final formal sortie of 15 Squadron.
It is the training unit for the Tornado, and the last of four Tornado squadrons to be disbanded.
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The ear-splitting noise of the jet has been a feature in the skies above Moray since the supersonic planes were first based there in the early 1990s.
The multi-role aircraft was capable of attacking targets on the ground and at sea, as well as aerial reconnaissance and defence.
The Lossiemouth planes have seen service in combat over Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya.
The Eurofighter Typhoons will now form the Quick Reaction Force, tasked with intercepting unidentified aircraft in British airspace.
Wing Commander Paul Froome, the Officer Commanding of XV (Reserve) Squadron, will pilot one of the aircraft taking partin the final sortie.
He said: “Being able to fly in this final sortie of Tornado GR4s from RAF Lossiemouth is a great honour for me. While it may be sad to see the Tornado leave Moray and Scotland, the aircraft has given many years’ of great service to the RAF, and continues to do so in the form of the frontline Tornado squadrons at RAF Marham supporting current operations.
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“The disbandment of [the] squadron is a milestone in the drawdown of the Tornado fleet, but I can say hand on heart that every member of the Squadron, past and present, has delivered an exceptional level of service and commitment to the Tornado fleet and the RAF.”
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