Formed in Palestine on 1 August 1917, No. 111 Squadron enjoyed a distinguished RAF career, flying Hurricanes and Spitfires in WWII before transitioning to jets like the Meteor F.8 in the post-war years. Its final aircraft was the Tornado F3, the RAF’s primary air defence interceptor for 25 years. Based at RAF Leuchars, the squadron protected UK airspace from threats like Russian ‘Bear’ reconnaissance aircraft. Disbanded in March 2011, 111 Squadron’s closure marked the retirement of the Tornado F3. Though gone, the aircraft is fondly remembered and has since been succeeded by the Eurofighter Typhoon.
