The GR.7 series is part of the second generation of Harriers and replaced the older GR. 3. This variant is quite similar to the American designed AV-8B but is built under license and equipped with RAF specific navigation and defence systems and added under-wing pylons. The GR.7 is capable of carrying twice the load of the GR.3 or the same load twice as far. The GR.7 first flew in 1989 and entered service in 1990. Of the 96 GR.7 Harriers belonging to the RAF 62 originally were GR.5s that were upgraded.

“Operation Herrick” was the British name for their participation in the NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) that took place in Afghanistan from 2002 to 2014 with Harriers joining the operation in 2004 until 2010. The Harriers from the RAF and the RN Fleet Air Arm combined to form Joint Force Harrier (JFH) and flew in pairs in support of British ground forces as well as other NATO troops.

Harrier GR7A ZD404 was named Lucy and ZD437 was named Michelle after a morale boosting visit from The Sun tabloid Page 3 models Lucy Pinder and Michelle Marsh.