It is a mistake to confuse age with capability. By that, would America retire F16, F15, F18, B52 and A10. Of course not as they all provide vital capabilities. And of course the Russians will be pleased Tornado is soon to be retired. It was they that it was designed to counter. Its replacement may be newer and much more modern but does it have the same capabilities. Still not yet operating Brimstone or Stormshadow. Tornado has been on operationAl deployment for over 27 years non stop and take a look at the Mod website for what it is still doing.