 During the 1970s, the RAF was in the process of developing a new aircraft specifically for the tactical strike and reconnaissance missions, which eventually became the SEPECAT Jaguar. This was introduced into service in 1974, and led to a re-think in the use of the Phantom as, at the same time, the limitations of the Lightning as an interceptor were becoming more apparent. The conversion of the RAF's FGR.2 squadrons to operate the Jaguar, combined with the use of the Blackburn Buccaneer, which had been purchased to assume some of the strike roles intended for the F-111K, meant that it was possible to begin transferring Phantoms to operate purely as interceptors in the air defence role.
