Why retired RAF warplanes are in the US?
They are British jet-powered fighter aircraft that was developed by Hawker Aircraft for the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the late 1940s and retired from active service in the early 1990s
The Royal Air Force (RAF) retired Hawker Hunter jets from primary service in the early 1990s.
However, the Hawker Hunter still has a role with the RAF through contractor companies.
Hawker Hunter Aviation (HHA) operates a fleet of retired Hawker Hunters.
HHA provides the jets to RAF and other NATO partners for purposes like air combat training, Joint Tactical Air Controller (JTAC) training and trials.
These contracted Hunters are often upgraded with modern avionics.
Their reliable performance has made them a cost-effective way to provide realistic training without using more expensive modern fighter jets.
(All images via HHA official website)