OVERVIEW: The Tornado EF.3 is a two-seat, twin-engine, interceptor variant of the Tornado F.3, adapted by the RAF in 2003 to carry ALARM anti-radiation missiles for limited SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) capability. It retained its primary role as a long-range air-defense fighter while gaining secondary radar-suppression capability.

DETAILS: The EF.3 conversion involved up to 12 Tornado F.3s from No 11 Squadron, fitted under an Urgent Operational Requirement in early 2003 ahead of Operation Telic. Powered by twin RB199‑34R Mk 104 engines, it reached Mach 2.2 and retained four under-flap pylons for Sidewinder and ASRAAM air-to-air missiles. Two ALARM missiles were carried on ventral fuselage hardpoints, integrated with the existing Foxhunter AI.24 radar and onboard Emission Location System originating from the F.3’s RWR architecture. Defensive systems (chaff/flare dispensers) were retained. The ALARM-equipped EF.3s flew in the 2003 Iraq War but the modification was never formally adopted and the aircraft reverted to standard F.3 configuration by 2005.

“EF.3” is not an official designation but an informal RAF term reflecting ALARM fit for SEAD tasks. It differed from the F.3 only in its ability to carry ALARM missiles for self-escort missions.

TYPE: Air defense interceptor with secondary SEAD capability

FUNCTION: The EF.3 provided a stopgap SEAD capability by combining interception and radar suppression in the same airframe. It was used to protect strike packages by targeting enemy radar with ALARM during the 2003 Iraq campaign.

NOTE:
IOC: standard Tornado F.3 from 1988; ALARM-equipped EF.3 variant deployed in 2003
Manufacturer: Panavia Aircraft GmbH (UK/Germany/Italy consortium)
Operators: United Kingdom (RAF No 11 Squadron)
Conflict used in: Iraq War (Operation Telic, 2003)

SOURCE: Wikipedia (ALARM missile): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ALARM ; Wikipedia (No. 11 Squadron): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No._11_Squadron_RAF ; Wikipedia (Tornado ADV): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panavia_Tornado_ADV ; Global Aviation Resource: https://www.globalaviationresource.com/reports/2011/f3retirement.php