RAF Cottesmore was for many years the home of all frontline Harrier GR7/9 aircraft, being flown by both the RAF and Fleet Air Arm under Joint Force Harrier. Having been rundown under the previous government, it was still quite a shock when the complete fleet was stupidly axed by the new government in the 2010 SDSR with RAF Cottesmore also closing. A more friendly and open airfield for photographers and enthusiasts would be hard to find.