The Lightning was a high performance supersonic interceptor designed to defend Britain against nuclear armed bombers. A small number were sold to Saudi Arabia where they were flown operationally between 1966 and 1986.

The Lightning F.53 was an export version of the RAF Lightning F.6 with additional hard points on the wings to give it a ground attack capability.

Deliveries began in July 1968 and a total of 47 were delivered.

They flew ground attack missions during a civil war in Yemen in late 1969 and early 1970 and were highly effective, the only time Lightnings fired shots in anger.

They remain in service until 1986 when they were replaced by F-15s.

This model represents Lightning F.53, 53-692 of 13 Squadron, Royal Saudi Air Force, at Tabuk Air Base in 1977.

Trumpeter 1/72 kit with Model Alliance decals completed by Leigh Edmonds in April 2009.