The final new-build Panavia Tornado has left the BAe Warton production line for delivery to the Royal Saudi Air Force, concluding the aircraft delivery portion of the Al Yamamah contract signed in 1993. Development work continues on upgrading UK Tornado GR1s to GR4 standard, which will be completed by 2003, as well as upgrading F3 air defence aircraft to use new medium- and short-range missiles. Just under 1,000 Tornados were delivered in total, making the UK/German/Italian venture the largest European collaborative military project ever.
Source: Flight International
