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Interdictor / Strike Aircraft

Panavia Tornado IDS

A swing-wing European jet built to fly low and strike enemy ground targets.

Saudi Arabia Introduced 1989 Panavia Aircraft GmbHRole: Strike and interdiction aircraft

Specifications

Top Speed
1,490 mph (Mach 2.2)
Crew
2
Combat Range
870 miles
Armament
Two 27 mm cannons and up to 19,800 lbs of bombs and missiles
The Panavia Tornado IDS of Saudi Arabia

History

In the mid-1980s, Saudi Arabia signed the massive Al-Yamamah defense agreement with Great Britain to purchase Tornado aircraft. These planes were designed to fly fast under enemy radar networks.

During the Gulf War, Royal Saudi Air Force Tornado crews flew dangerous strike missions against Iraqi airfields and supply positions. Their precision bombing played an important part in the air campaign.

The Tornado gave Saudi Arabia a long-range ground attack weapon that stayed in service for many decades after the Cold War ended.

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