Originally conceived in the late 1960s as an advanced supersonic jet trainer, the Jaguar matured into a capable strike aircraft. Operated by the RAF as a low level tactical attack aircraft, the Jaguar performed well during the first Gulf War and later saw active service over the Balkans. Based in West Germany during the height of the cold war the Jaguar’s role would have been to attack the Eastern Block’s airbases and other tactical targets at low level, streaking in fast across the battlefield and delivering blows to help cripple the Soviet Union’s ability to wage war. 

2 Squadron RAF has a long and illustrious history, holding the claim to be the longest serving squadron using ‘heavier than air’ aircraft anywhere in the world. Operating the Jaguar for twelve years, the squadron then re-equipped with Tornados, which it continues to fly today.