NATO Tiger Association

A Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter of 336 squadron, Royal Norwegian Air Force during a 'Tiger Meet' in 2007. Tiger Meet aircraft are often painted in 'Tiger stripes'
A German Eurofighter Typhoon of Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 74 at the 'Tiger Meet' in 2014
A Czech Mil Mi-24 "Alien Tiger" of the 221st Helicopter Squadron at the 'Tiger Meet' in 2016
Tail fin of a Swiss Air Force Fliegerstaffel 11 F/A-18C Hornet
A Super Étendard of the Flottille 11F of the French Navy during a 'Tiger Meet' in 2007

The NATO Tiger Association or the Association of Tiger Squadrons was established in 1961. Promoted by French Defence minister Pierre Messmer, its role is to promote solidarity between NATO air forces. However, it is not part of the formal NATO structure.

The 79th Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS) of the United States Air Forces in Europe took the initiative and on 19 July 1961, they invited No. 74 Squadron RAF and EC (Fighter Squadron) 1/12 Cambresis of the French Armée de l'air to RAF Woodbridge in England. France was then a full military member of NATO.

As of May 2016, the squadrons[1] included in the Association are 24 full members, 10 honorary members, and 7 disbanded members, all of which have a tiger as part of their squadron crests. As well as being opportunities for NATO air forces to share ideas and experiences, the 'Tiger Meets' are also public relations exercises for NATO. NATO aircraft are often brightly painted with tiger stripes.

  1. ^ "Tiger Units | NATO Tigers". natotigers.org. Retrieved 18 May 2016.