SEPECAT Jaguar - a slightly earlier timeline

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SEPECAT Jaguar FGA.1 - No.6 Squadron, RAF Near East Air Force, 1971

 

In May 1965 the Memorandum of Understanding between France and the UK was signed regarding the joint development of a light strike aircraft for the Armée de l'air and an advanced strike trainer for the RAF leading to the SEPECAT Jaguar programme. However, an early realignment of the UK's requirement saw a sensible early move away from the advanced strike trainer to a tactical strike aircraft and an earlier order for the Hawker Siddeley Hawk. This decision led to the first Jaguar 'S' taking to the air in March 1968 and the first production machines entered service as the Jaguar FGA.1 with No.6 squadron based in Cyprus in November 1971.