Developed by Turbo Union (a consortium of Fiat Aviazione, Motoren Turbinen Union and Rolls-Royce).

The RB199 is a turbofan design; it uses a three-shaft design. The engine has reheat and reverse thrust. The engine was designed to meet the Tornado's various mission requirements, especially the extreme low-altitude missions.

The RB199 is the only military engine in the world with an integrated thrust reverser.