The Sepecat Jaguar first came into RAF service in 1974 and it looks set to remain a very important low level fighter bomber.  The Jaguar replaced the Phantom as the RAF's primary low-level fighter-bomber, close-suport and tactical reconnaissance aircraft and it saw extensive service in Germany supporting NATO's ground forces.  With the arrival of the Tornado GR1, the Jaguars returned from Germany to RAF Coltishall in Norfolk.  The Jaguar underwent an extensive upgrade programme with improvements to the Ardour Mk104 engines, a Ferranti inertial navigation system, jamming pods and flare dispensers.

During the Gulf War, the Jaguar played a critical role for the RAF by using cluster bombs and rockets, alongside BL755 low-level bombs.  The Jaguar also placed Sidewinder missiles on top of the wings for self protection.

The current upgrade programme includes equipping the aircraft with TIALD, better cockpit displays, helmet-mounted sighting equipment, a better recce fit and IDM (a digital intraflight data link).
 
 

The first aircraft flown was a French prototype on 8th September 1968.  The first British prototype on 29th October 1969.  No 226 OCU at RAF Lossiemouth were the first unit to receive the Jaguar in 1973, and No 54 Squadron, the first operational unit a year later.  The Jaguars at RAF Coltishall belong to Nos 6, 41 and 54 Squadrons which have been constantly in action in the Gulf and Former Yugoslavia.  No 16(R) Squadron is the OCU they moved to RAF Coltishall in 2000.

You can see our Jaguars staging through Edmonton during the summer.