TMN: A Tonka for Xmas? Italeri's 32nd scale Tornado GR.1 “Desert Storm”

The new 1/32nd scale Tornado GR.1 “Desert Storm” is almost upon us. We look at all the features of this updated tooling, with new parts, decals & four new profiles in our preview...

A Tonka for Xmas? Italeri's 32nd scale Tornado GR.1 “Desert Storm”

Tornado GR.1 “Desert Storm”

From Italeri

1/32nd Scale

Kit Number #2521

Length: 52.1cm

Over 350 parts

The kit contains plastic parts, vinyl tyres & Photo-etch included in the kit

Available in October

Italeri Website

The Subject: Panavia Tornado GR.1

During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, the RAF’s Tornado GR.1 played a pivotal role in the coalition’s air campaign against Iraq. Designed as a low-level strike aircraft, the GR.1 was tasked with attacking heavily defended targets such as airfields, command bunkers, and infrastructure critical to the Iraqi war effort. Operating primarily from bases in Saudi Arabia, Tornado crews flew some of the most hazardous missions of the war, often at night and at extremely low altitudes to evade radar and surface-to-air missile systems. Their early sorties were among the first to penetrate deep into Iraqi territory, demonstrating the aircraft’s speed, payload capacity, and ruggedness under combat conditions.

A common sight in aviation circles at the time, a Royal Air Force Tornado GR1 flying at low level over the Saudi Arabian desert.

The Tornado GR.1’s loadouts during Desert Storm reflected its role as a precision strike platform. Initially, many aircraft were equipped with JP233 runway denial systems—complex munitions designed to scatter bomblets and cratering charges across enemy airfields, rendering them unusable. These missions were high-risk, requiring straight and level flight over target areas, often under intense anti-aircraft fire. As the campaign progressed and air superiority was established, Tornados shifted to carrying 1,000 lb general-purpose bombs, BL755 cluster munitions, and later, laser-guided bombs when paired with Buccaneer aircraft or USAF assets for target designation. Some aircraft were also fitted with BOZ-107 chaff dispensers and Sky Shadow ECM pods to enhance survivability.

A Tornado GR1 from the Muharraq detachment with JP233s loaded., Photo by Ian Black

Mission profiles evolved rapidly over the course of the campaign. The initial low-level attacks gave way to medium-altitude bombing runs as coalition forces suppressed Iraqi air defences. Tornado GR.1s participated in interdiction missions aimed at cutting off supply lines and destroying key logistical hubs. They also supported psychological operations by targeting communications infrastructure and command centres. The aircraft’s terrain-following radar and swing-wing design allowed it to operate effectively in the demanding desert environment, and its twin engines provided the thrust needed for rapid ingress and egress from hostile zones.

The well-known "Mig Eater" is included in this boxing.

Despite suffering losses—six Tornados were lost during the conflict—the aircraft proved its worth and resilience. Lessons learned from Desert Storm led to significant upgrades in avionics, weapons integration, and tactics for the Tornado fleet. The campaign underscored the importance of precision, survivability, and adaptability in modern air warfare. For the RAF, the Tornado GR.1’s performance in Desert Storm marked a defining moment, showcasing British airpower on a global stage and reinforcing the need for continued evolution in strike capabilities.

Italeri's new 32nd-scale Tornado GR.1 "Desert Storm" Kit
A much sought-after version, on the face of it, it seems time to throw away the older kit in this scale and take advantage of what's on offer in this boxing of Italeri's much-loved Tornado series.

Kit features:

● Finely detailed photo-etch parts included

● Removable RB.199 Engine with special support trolley

● Retracted or extended flaps and slats

● Movable ailerons

● Openable radome and fully detailed radar

● Rubber or Plastic Tyres

● Movable variable-geometry wings and wing pylons

● Vinyl cover for the wing entry point into the fuselage

● Coloured instruction sheet

● 4 R.A.F. versions included on the decals sheet

The sprues shown here with the new GR.1 additions included