The aircraft carrier Enterprise operates in the Persian Gulf when it detects a MiG fighter on radar. Responding to the threat, the Combat Air Patrol, featuring F-14 Tomcat interceptors, scrambles to engage. Leading the charge is Lt. Peter Mitchell (Tom Cruise), known by his call-sign Maverick, whose brash and nonconformist nature often puts him at odds with protocol. His Radar Intercept Officer, Lt. Nicholas Bradshaw (call-signed Goose), partners with him in the high-stakes mission. Engaging in aerial combat, they confront Cougar, who has his own RIO, Merlin.
During the tense encounter, the duo is stunned when a second MiG quickly emerges. While Cougar is outmaneuvered, Maverick's boldness shines as he carries out a risky maneuver, eventually driving the MiG away with an audacious upside-down flyby and a shocking gesture. However, the pressure takes its toll on Cougar, leaving him unable to land. Maverick, running low on fuel and disobeying orders, steps up to talk Cougar down safely.
After the incident, Stinger, the captain of the Enterprise, finds himself forced to act when Cougar relinquishes his wings, shifting the focus to Maverick, who now faces additional combat training at the Navy's Fighter Weapons School in Miramar, CA. This task fills Maverick with excitement, seeing it as a career-defining opportunity despite Stinger's disdain for his selection.
Upon his arrival at the school, Maverick accidentally sparks a rivalry with fellow pilot Lt. Tom Kazansky (call-signed Iceman) (Val Kilmer) and his RIO, Slider. That evening, he notices an attractive blonde at a bar and, in a bold move, follows her into the ladies' room. Though initially unsuccessful, he soon finds out that she is Charlie (Kelly McGillis), a Department of Defense instructor, marking the beginning of a budding romance.
In his inaugural training exercise, Maverick faces the school's resident "enemy" pilot, Jester. His apparent skill leads him to outperform Jester, but not without breaching the established minimum engagement altitude and performing a reckless low fly-over that draws the ire of his peers, particularly Iceman. Maverick's self-assuredness continues to push boundaries, prompting Commander Michael Metcalf (call-signed Viper) to warn him about the potential for expulsion.
Maverick's challenge with Iceman escalates, culminating in a crucial exercise where Maverick, driven to succeed, flouts teamwork principles in pursuit of glory. This reckless abandon results in both him and Hollywood being “shot down.” Yet, an even greater tragedy awaits; during a joint mission with Iceman, Maverick's determination causes him to act too hastily, leading to a catastrophic accident that kills Goose when their F-14 enacts an emergency ejection.
Devastated, Maverick grapples with despair and guilt despite an inquiry absolving him of responsibility. He still graduates and returns to the Enterprise, where he faces a formidable assault from MiGs. With Hollywood downed and Iceman encircled, Maverick is summoned to assist. Momentarily paralyzed by trauma, he recalls Goose's death, but after a crucial conversation with Viper, he finds the strength to engage once more, demonstrating remarkable prowess by taking out four enemy MiGs and saving Iceman in the process.
In the aftermath, both pilots triumphantly return to the carrier, highlighting Maverick's journey from arrogant pilot to reluctant hero.
