The Tornado is produced by a European consortium called Panavia, comprising three international companies in Germany (Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm GmbH), Italy (Aeritalia) and the U.K. (British Aerospace) and is a multi-role combat aircraft. The type was designed and developed in co-operation for the armed forces of those countries. The aircraft incorporates variable-geometry wings able to sweep through 43 degrees which, in conjunction with two Turbo Union advanced turbofan engines and highly-sophisticated avionics, make it possible for the Tornado to achieve all-weather penetration of enemy airspace. The prototype first flew from Manching, Germany on 14th August 1974, the RAF ordered 385 Tornados.

Each year squadrons within NATO hold a "Tiger Meet" with those squadrons whose unit insignia features a 'tiger'. Many squadrons paint their participating aircraft in a special tiger-scheme and '46+44' was the representative aircraft from JBG-32, German Air Force in 2001