RAF Tornado jets head home from Afghanistan for final time

Royal Air Force Tornado aircraft have left Afghanistan to head back to the UK after more than five years of operations in the country, the Ministry of Defence said.

The jets, based at RAF Marham in Norfolk, flew out of Kandahar airfield early this morning having flown their final missions.

Aircrew and ground crew from the 31 Squadron have provided vital support to Nato efforts in the country since June 2009.

The MoD said air and ground crew will now make their way via RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus, to RAF Marham where they will be welcomed home by friends and family.

Leading the last combat sortie was flight lieutenant Oli Payne, 29, who said: “To lead the last sortie was a real privilege. It was a hugely poignant day as it brought to a close about ten years of constant fast jet operations by the RAF in Afghanistan, so it was a big moment for both the crews and the RAF.

"The Tornado GR4 has been offering intelligence, surveillance and precision close air support for more than five years now and it’s done a remarkable job, remaining as potent a platform today as it has ever been.

"It’s been a great honour to be here on the very last tour and to offer the Afghan forces support during the transition period.”