Royal Air Force Leuchars is the Royal Air Force's principal operational fighter Station. As such, it plays a critical part in the defence of the UK and its territorial waters. Both 43(F) and 111(F) Squadrons fly the Tornado F3 fighter and are tasked to provide crews and aircraft at 10 minutes readiness 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to police and if necessary, shoot down rogue aircraft in UK airspace.

Since 9/11, the complexity of the Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) task has increased considerably. The whole Station supports QRA and the Joint Rapid Reaction Forces by helping provide force elements (both aircraft and personnel) at Very High Readiness or as required, as well as modules (groups of specific personnel or trade groups) for operations abroad.

RAF Leuchars is also the home of the Tornado F3 Operational Conversion Unit, which produces trained crews for the F3, standardises and evaluates the effectiveness of the F3 force and is responsible for post-graduate crew training and aiding tactical development.

Apart from the front-line Squadrons and OCU, there are several other units based at Leuchars. These include No 6 Force Protection Wing HQ, the East of Scotland Universities Air Squadron, 12 Air Experience Flight, a Mountain Rescue Team which is frequently called upon to help emergency services in the surrounding area, No 612 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force (the Air Transportable Surgical Squadron), 71 Engineer Regiment (Volunteer), 117 Field Squadron and 3 Flight Army Air Corps (Volunteer).

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