This electronic warfare version of the powerful twin-engined swing-wing F-111 was built to support attack formations from the threat of ever-more sophisticated anti-aircraft missile defences. The generous dimensions of the aircraft meant that it could be loaded with a huge quantity of sophisticated electronic equipment for analysis and disturbance of enemy radar frequencies. The EF-111 came into service during the 80s and was used extensively in the Gulf War, supporting allied air formations and severely limiting the enemy's capacity to respond