NATO Tiger Association


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 of the United States Air Forces in Europe took the initiative and on 19 July 1961, they invited No. 74 Squadron RAF and EC 1/12 Cambresis of the French Armée de l'air to RAF Woodbridge in England. France was then a full military member of NATO.
Capitain Michael Dugan of the 79th Tactical Fighter Squadron searched for another squadrons in all European NATO air forces. He managed to find 5 new squadrons, the second meeting in 1962 with 8 squadrons participating.
As of May 2025, the squadrons included in the Association are 24 full members, 9 honorary members, 1 probationary member, 8 disbanded members and 4 former members. All members of the Association of Tiger Squadrons 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.

Members

The following 24 squadrons are full members of the association.
Members of the NATO Tiger Association until their disbanding by their respective organization.
The most publicly visible aspect of the NATO Tiger Association are the annual Tiger Meets, during which member squadrons gather for exercises, conferences, and public relations.
EventDatesLocationHostSilver TigerUnitsRef
196119–20 July