Jaguar fighter jet returning to Coltishall Heritage Centre

The Jaguar was first introduced in 1968 as an attack aircraft capable of supersonic speeds and able to carry nuclear weapons. 

It was in service with the RAF for more than 30 years and saw action in the Gulf War where it was praised for its reliability. 

The Jaguar jet returned to Coltishall earlier this morning (Image: Denise Bradley)

The majority of the UK's Jaguars were flown out of Coltishall, just north of Norwich, as part of the base's Strike Wing. 

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And just this morning, the Jaguar has returned to its home at the RAF Coltishall Heritage Centre after an 18-year hiatus where it will be put on display. 

Carl Lamb, trustee, said: "It's a very exciting day for us.

It came partially disassembled and will be reassembled for display later this year (Image: Denise Bradley)

"The last time we had a Jaguar at the centre was in April 2006 and this one has come all the way from Germany where it was stationed at Brüggen."

The Jaguar's arrival was captured in pictures which shows it partially disassembled on the back of a long-bed lorry. 

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Members of the heritage centre gathered to celebrate its return with a drink. 

"We've been saying, unlike the football, it is coming home," Carl joked. 

"Our aim is to show off the aircraft from both an engineering perspective and also its role in Coltishall's rich history of aviation," he added. 

A Jaguar was last at the RAF Coltishall Heritage Centre in 2006 (Image: Denise Bradley)

"The area played a huge part in aerial operations from World War Two all the way through the Cold War.

"We're delighted to have this piece of history back and show people how much hard work has gone into it."

The team hope to have the jet, designated XZ384, up on display by the beginning of September.