From 2003 to 2012, there was a need to ensure the operational effectiveness of the Italian Tornado fleet (both Tornado IDS and ECR) until 2025, when the Tornado fleet was to be replaced by the Eurofighters, followed by F-35As. In 2003, a Mid-Life Upgrade programme was initiated under Alenia Aeronautica (later incorporated into Leonardo), which concluded the first part of the Mid-Life Upgrade as framed by the RET6 (Retro Enabling Task 6) contract in 2007. From 2009 to 2011, there was a new phase of update with 15 Tornados (IDS and IDS-T variants) called "MLU Basic Full" (RET7). Ultimately, from 2010 to 2012, the last update phase "MLU Full" (RET8) was completed for 10 Tornado IDS and 15 Tornado ECR. The RET8 upgrade provided new electronics, a new radar warning receiver, and the capability to use GBU-39/B.

Introduced in Update "Hornet's Sting", the Tornado IDS MLU RET8 is a fighter bomber with additional payload options than the preceding Tornado IDS (1995). The new payload includes GBU-10, GBU-12, EGBU-24B Paveway guided bombs, GBU-39 gliding guided bombs, GBU-31, GBU-32, GBU-38, GBU-39, and GBU-54B JDAM guided bombs. Anti-air and countermeasures capabilities remain the same. The Tornado IDS RET8 also has a new targeting pod, the LITENING III. It is not recommended to engage in a dogfight with the Tornado due to its low manoeuvrability.