RAF Honington’s Buccaneer ‘gate guardian’ – which has been in place since 1983 – to be restored and replaced with a Tornado GR4

A ‘gate guardian’ which has been in place at RAF Honington, near Bury St Edmunds and Thetford, for more than 40 years is on the move.

The station’s Buccaneer S2 XK526, which has been gate guardian and tribute to aircrew lost on flying operations and in training, has been a familiar sight for personnel, visitors and anyone passing the gate since 1983.

Now, the Buccaneer has left its post and will be replaced with a Tornado GR4, to reflect the last flying type at Honington.

Honington has four Tornado GR4 aircraft, which were flown to the base from RAF Marham when they were retired in February 2019.

They have been in use as ground trainers in the station CAGE (Complex Air-Ground Environment) Training Area, allowing RAF Regiment and RAF Police personnel to practice force protection techniques in and around hardened aircraft shelters.

In a respectful nod to the legacy of the Buccaneer force at Honington, the Tornado will be placed on a Buccaneer-shaped base.

Buccaneer S2 XK526 will now be restored.

Wing Commander Max Hayward, RAF Honington station commander, said: “The aircraft has done us proud over 40 years, but it is time to pass XK526 on to be professionally restored to a standard that will enable future generations to be able to see and enjoy this magnificent example of British aircraft engineering.”