Johannesburg, 15 September 2025: National Geographic is set to transport visitors at Eastgate shopping centre in Johannesburg into the world of elite fighter pilots in celebration of the launch of the new six-part docuseries, Top Guns: The Next Generation. The activation, running from Tuesday 16 to Monday 22 September, from 9 AM to 6 PM daily, in the Strelitzia Court, will give fans the chance to step into the cockpit and experience the thrill of high-speed aerial training first-hand.
Top Guns: The Next Generation premieres on Wednesday, 17 September, at 20:30 on National Geographic (DStv 181, StarTimes 220) across Africa. The adrenaline-filled series follows Navy and Marine Corps student aviators as they face the most demanding phase of strike fighter training. From bombing drills to carrier landings, the show captures their determination, skill and ambition as they compete for the coveted wings of gold.
Immersive Fighter Pilot Experience
The Eastgate activation will transform the mall centre court into a training ground with a life-size fighter jet platform, complete with runway-style floor markings designed to draw shoppers into the action. Guests will have the opportunity to take part in a virtual reality game that simulates the sense of being in a jet with take-off, combat manoeuvres and landing.
A themed photo booth will enable guests to get a photo of themselves transformed into fighter pilots via AI to share with friends and family.
While waiting for their turn, fans will get to watch exclusive sneak-peek content from the series on a large freestanding screen, giving them a taste of the high-pressure world depicted in Top Guns: The Next Generation. Plus, guests can learn more about the show via an interactive digital screen.
Prizes and Giveaways
To add to the excitement, daily prizes are on offer. Participants can win pilot-inspired memorabilia, including wings badges, personalised dog tags, caps and aviator-styled sunglasses, creating a keepsake of their training day at Eastgate.
National Geographic’s activation promises to bring the energy of the series to life in Johannesburg, offering fans a glimpse of the skill, courage and commitment required to earn a place among the next generation of fighter pilots.