Maverick is a Navy test pilot with 30 years of experience. At the Top Gun school for fighter pilots, Maverick is assigned to train a new group of elite pilots for a dangerous mission. Their goal is to destroy an illegal uranium enrichment facility located deep in a canyon and surrounded by steep mountains.
The facility is heavily protected by surface-to-air missiles and enemy fighters. For the mission to succeed, Maverick must train the pilots to fly at super low altitudes through the canyon in order to avoid radar detection.
One of the pilots Maverick trains is Rooster, the son of Maverick's late best friend, Goose. Goose was Maverick's partner who died in a plane crash.
As Maverick trains the recruits, tensions rise because Rooster has resentful feelings towards Maverick. Years ago, Maverick blocked Rooster's application to the Naval Academy. He did this because he promised Rooster's mother that he would protect him from becoming a pilot, as she feared for her son's life.
Maverick uses tough training methods that push the young pilots to their limits. He engages in dogfights with them, which helps him earn their respect. However, Maverick struggles with guilt over Goose's death and his complicated relationship with Rooster.
After an incident during training, Vice Admiral Cyclone removes Maverick from his instructor role. However, in order to prove himself, Maverick conducts an unauthorized flight to show that his mission plan will work. This impresses Cyclone, who reluctantly makes Maverick the team leader for the upcoming mission.
During the operation, Maverick and Rooster fly together with two other pilots to bomb the uranium facility. They successfully destroy the target but encounter heavy enemy fire on their return, dodging missiles as they try to escape.
In a fierce dogfight, Maverick’s plane is shot down. Rooster turns back to try and save Maverick, but he is also shot down. They both jettison and survive their separate ordeals.
On the ground, they find each other and try to manage an escape from enemy territory. They find an old F-14 Tomcat which they steal in an attempt to fly out of enemy territory.
They engage in a final battle against enemy jets. They barely survive the dogfight and run out of ammo. It looks like sure death for the two pilots. However, Hangman arrives just in time to destroy the last enemy fighter.
The film ends with Maverick and Rooster returning safely to their aircraft carrier. They have
forged a stronger
bond through this challenging ordeal.
