Some aircraft you watch. Others you feel. This year, a legend slices through the sky once more. After twenty years of silence, an icon returns to the solo stage in grand fashion, thanks to the German Air Force: the Panavia Tornado IDS.
This not just any aircraft, it turns fuel into sound, and into goosebumps.
The Tornado was born from a European alliance between Italy, Germany, and Great Britain. In the late 1960s, they jointly developed a multirole powerhouse with variable geometry wings. At low speed, the wings sweep forward gracefully to provide extra lift during takeoff and landing. As the pace quickens and it skims low across the terrain, the wings sweep back and the aircraft transforms into a razor sharp dart.
Although the type is no longer in British service, it remains operational in Germany, Italy, and Saudi Arabia. It has proven its worth in multiple conflicts and continues to play a vital role within NATO today. This is anything but a museum piece.
In 2025, Germany resumed demonstrations of this crowd favourite after years of absence. The display will be flown by a crew from Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 33, based at Büchel Air Base. Their role is close air support, interdiction and offensive counter air.
During the demonstration, you will clearly see the wings change position in flight. You will feel the thunder of the two Turbo Union RB199 engines deep in your chest. A sound that reaches beyond your ears and resonates through your entire skeleton.
Want to be there when the Tornado conquers the solo stage once again? Do not miss this spectacular comeback and experience it from the front row at the International Sanicole Airshow in Hechtel-Eksel, during the weekend of 12 and 13 September 2026.
Photo Credits: Paul_Johnson_Flightline_UK
