OVERVIEW: The Harrier GR.9 belongs to the second generation of the Harrier family, a subsonic, single-engine, V/STOL (Vertical and/or Short Take-Off and Landin), ground-attack and close air support aircraft operated by the Royal Air Force. It is an upgraded variant of the GR.7, introduced in 2006 with improved avionics, systems integration, and compatibility with modern precision-guided munitions.

DETAILS: The GR.9 was developed under the Joint Update and Maintenance Programme (JUMP) as a mid-life upgrade of existing GR.7 airframes, entering operational service in 2006. It retained the Rolls-Royce Pegasus Mk 105 turbofan engine producing approximately 21,750 lbf of thrust, supporting full V/STOL capability. The airframe maintained seven hardpoints and composite construction, and integrated a MIL-STD-1760 weapons databus, new mission computer, upgraded GPS/INS, and digital cockpit systems. It does not feature radar and relied on FLIR and external targeting pods when fitted. Defensive systems included the Zeus ECM suite, Plessey missile approach warning system (MAWS), radar warning receiver, and chaff/flare dispensers. Primary air-to-ground weapon was the Brimstone anti-armor missile; primary air-to-air armament was the AIM-9 Sidewinder short-range IR-guided missile. Maximum speed was approximately Mach 0.9.

The “GR” stands for “Ground attack/Reconnaissance.” The GR.9 added compatibility with newer weapons such as Paveway III laser-guided bombs, AGM-65 Maverick, and improved data systems and structural updates over the GR.7. It retained the same aerodynamic design and propulsion but focused on improved sensor and weapons integration.

TYPE: V/STOL multirole strike aircraft

FUNCTION: In RAF service, the GR.9 was used extensively in Afghanistan and Iraq for close air support and interdiction missions. Its V/STOL capability and integration of precision munitions made it effective in forward-deployed and austere environments.

NOTE:
IOC: 2006 (GR.9)
Operators: United Kingdom
Manufacturer: British Aerospace (United Kingdom)
Conflict used in: Afghanistan (2007–2009), Iraq (2007–2010)

SOURCE:
AirVectors: https://airvectors.net/avav8_3.html ; GlobalSecurity: https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/harrier-gr9.htm ; Royal Air Force Museum: https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research/collections/british-aerospace-harrier-gr9 ; Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Aerospace_Harrier_II