The Panavia Tornado GR1, GR1A, and GR1B has become the RAF's primary strike attack and reconnaissance aircraft.  The Tornado GR1 replaced the Vulcan and Buccaneer aircraft and is now considered one of the most capable bombers in the world, especially at low levels.  The GR1 is designed to carry a complete range of weaponry.  Equipped with a Texas Instruments terrain following radar and associated navigational / attack equipment, low level attack sorties at high speed are its greatest strength.  Coupled with its fly-by-wire system the Tornado GR1 is a potent weapons platform.  Since the Gulf War the GR1 has developed the use of the British Aerospace ALARM anti-radiation missile and Paveway lazer guided bombs.  For self-defence the GR1 can carry Sidewinders and two 27mm canons.
 

The GR1A has a sideways-looking infra-red (SLIR) system and video recording equipment instead of photographic film for the reconnaissance tasks. The GR1B is equipped with BAe Sea Eagle air-to-surface missiles and is used in an anti-shipping, or maritime strike role.

At present, the GR1 is in the process of a mid-life update programme that began in 1993.  The revised aircraft will be designated the GR4 with updated TIALD laser designation and FLIR.

The first aircraft to fly was the Multi Role Combat Aircraft or MRCA, on 14 August 1974.  The first GR1 flew on 10 July 1979 and the GR4 in May 1993.  The GR1 first entered service with the Tri-national Tornado Training Establishment (TTTE) at RAF Cottesmore in July 1980.  The first operational unit was No 9 Sqn, getting the aircraft in 1982.

During the Gulf War, the RAF deployed 45 GR1s and 6 GR1As and these aircraft were among the first to fly combat missions in the air campaign.  The Tornado GR1s flew over 1500 missions during the conflict.

The GR1 is operated by Nos 9, 14 and 31 Sqns based at RAF Bruggen in Germany, by Nos 2 and 13 Sqns at RAF Marham in Norfolk and Nos 12 and 617 Sqns, operating the GR1B, from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland.

The GR1 is very heavily tasked with operational detachments in Kuwait, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.  The GR1 is also heavily involved in supporting NATO in the Former Yugoslavia.

The GR1 can be seen at CFB Cold Lake and Edmonton during the summer.