Painting of a gray military fighter jet soaring over a patchwork countryside with fields and roads below, smoke trailing from a distant explosion on the ground.
A gray fighter jet loaded with missiles on its wings, viewed from above over a coastal town area.
Impressionistic painting of a gray military aircraft wing with a 'GP' marking on the tail section.
Painterly view of a grey fighter jet cockpit with a pilot in the open canopy, seen from above at an angle.

Jaguar: At War over Udbina

Price range: £75.00 through £300.00

Jaguar XZ367 “Golf Papa”, No. 54Squadron RAF Coltishall, over Udbina airfield during Operation DENY FLIGHT, November 1994.

As tensions mounted and the world watched the unfolding drama of the Balkans Conflict in November 1994, a NATO force of over 30 aircraft was launched against the Serbian-held airfield of Udbina, which was being used by Serbian forces to mount attacks by Orao fighter-bombers on the population of Bihac town. A Royal Air Force detachment of Jaguar aircraft from No54 Squadron, led by Wg Cdr Tim Kerss, took part in the attack from their base at Gioia del Colle in Southern Italy.  The aim of the attack mission, to prevent operations from Udbina was successfully carried out without loss or damage to any of the multi-national force aircraft.

Michael Rondot’s dramatic painting captures the moment as Jaguar XZ367 rolls into a steep dive attack to release a 1,000lb bomb on the airfield target.  Smoke from decoy fires and exploding bombs from Dutch and French Air Force fighter bombers can be seen below the Jaguar.  This is the moment that fighter pilots train for – concentrating on executing a precision attack on a live target with real bullets coming up and fatal consequences for any mistakes.

This fine art print is signed and numbered by the artist, and signed by pilots who flew this mission and were part of Operation DENY FLIGHT.

Signatures:

Signed by the artist and by Wing Commander TIM KERSS MBE, OC 54(F) Squadron.

Artist’s proofs and remarques are signed by:

  • Wing Commander TIM KERSS MBE, OC 54(F) Squadron
  • Squadron Leader SHAUN WILDEY
  • Squadron Leader CHRIS CARDER
  • Squadron Leader RAY PEARCE
  • Squadron Leader STU RICHARDSON
  • Group Captain PHIL DACRE
  • Group Captain WILLIE CRUICKSHANK

Artist: Michael Rondot.

Overall paper print size: 70 × 50 cm.

SKU CLE-00094 Categories , , , , ,

Description

Jaguar: The Udbina Strike

This dramatic limited edition print by Michael Rondot captures the 1994 NATO strike on Udbina airfield. The painting portrays Jaguar XZ367, nicknamed “Golf Papa,” as it rolls into a steep dive. Notably, the pilot prepares to release a 1,000lb bomb on the target below. Michael Rondot draws on his own experience as an RAF Jaguar pilot to render every technical detail. This limited edition print serves as a definitive tribute to No. 54 Squadron.

During the Balkans Conflict, Serbian forces used the Udbina airfield in Croatia to launch Orao fighter-bombers against civilian targets in Bihac. Consequently, NATO launched a massive force of 39 attack aircraft on November 21, 1994, to put the base out of action. Specifically, Wing Commander Tim Kerss led a detachment of RAF Jaguars from Gioia del Colle to strike the runway and anti-aircraft sites. The mission achieved its goals with surgical precision, successfully damaging the airstrip in five places without losing a single aircraft. Indeed, this strike remains the largest air combat operation in Europe since World War II.

The Moment of Attack: Precision Under Fire

Michael Rondot’s painting captures the exact moment a fighter pilot trains for throughout their career. For instance, the scene shows smoke from decoy fires and exploding ordnance from Dutch and French fighter-bombers rising from the airfield below. Meanwhile, the pilot must concentrate entirely on the target while anti-aircraft fire tracks his aircraft. The Jaguar’s twin Rolls-Royce Adour engines provide the necessary power to pull away after the release. Moreover, the technical accuracy of “Golf Papa” in its specialized camouflage highlights the Jaguar’s role as a premier low-level strike platform.

A Prestigious Limited Edition Print Signed by Combat Veterans

This fine art print holds immense value for collectors of military history. In fact, every copy carries the personal signature of Michael Rondot and Wing Commander Tim Kerss MBE. Furthermore, the artist’s proofs and remarque prints feature signatures from seven additional pilots who flew during Operation Deny Flight. These include notable officers like Squadron Leader Shaun Wildey and Group Captain Phil Dacre. In addition, the remarque copies include unique, hand-drawn pencil sketches on the border, making each one a distinct original. Therefore, shop our gallery now to secure your signed copy of this monumental Balkan air war tribute.

You can explore more of our “Big Cat” art in the RAF Collection or for more information on the “Big Cat” visit the Thunder and Lightnings website.

Additional information

Dimensions 70 × 50 cm
Print Type

Signed and Numbered, Artists Proof, Remarque, Double Remarque, Canvas Print

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