Modelling friend René Van Der Hart 

and his stunning build of the Blackburn Buccaneer from 16 Squadron named the saints took the first of the Blackburn Buccaneer S.2B on 16 October 1972. The squadron's twelve Buccaneers were equipped with a variety of conventional weapons and eighteen British WE.177 nuclear bombs. Although Buccaneers could carry two WE.177 weapons, after taking into account attrition in the conventional phase of a high-intensity European war, and after withholding some aircraft in reserve, RAF planners expected that squadron strength remaining would still be sufficient to deliver the nuclear weapons stockpile. The Buccaneer distinguished itself in many bombing exercises; among its victories included the winning of the Salmond Trophy in 1978 and 1979.

The squadron briefly expanded in 1983-84, absorbing some aircraft and men from its sister 15 Squadron which had converted to the Panavia Tornado GR 1. 16 Squadron followed in late 1984 following the 'designate' process where a new 16 Squadron formed up at RAF Honington before moving to Laarbruch and assuming the squadron standard from the Buccaneer unit which had continued to operate throughout. Despite the change of aircraft the squadron's role remained unchanged in countering a Soviet threat in Europe with conventional weapons and eighteen WE. 177 nuclear bombs. As with the Buccaneer, there was a ratio of 1.5 weapons per aircraft.