NATO’s ‘Tiger’ units at Landivisiau
The annual NATO Tiger Meet (NTM) is among the exercises in Europe that is most widely visited by air enthusiasts from all over the world, eager to record the various kinds of aircraft adorned with ever more elaborate tiger-themed paint schemes. The 2017 Tiger Meet from 5 to 16 June was organised by the French Navy, specifically by 11 Flottille based at Naval Air Base Landivisiau in Brittany.
Tiger Meet is an exercise that also includes a social character in addition to joint training, and therefore there has always been a traditional ‘spotter day’ organised during the exercise. However, the French Navy decided this year to facilitate two different spotter days, the first taking place on 8 June and the second on 14 June. Both days saw over 500 enthusiasts allowed to enter the airbase to photograph participants of the exercise. Every participating unit sent at least one aircraft painted in a tiger-related scheme, with the theme this year being the ‘Atlantic Tiger,’ a symbol of host 11 Flottille, which also celebrated its 50th anniversary during NTM 2017. The unit flew six Rafale M carrier fighters during the exercises, with one example painted in with striking blackand-white tiger stripes (lead photograph).
In addition to the bonhomie and esprit de corps fostered among NATO’s ‘tiger units’ by the annual NTM, the meet also involves serious COMAO (Combined Military Air Operations) training. The meet this year was attended by eleven NATO and partner member states, with 53 aircraft, 15 helicopters, along with 800 pilots and technicians participating. During the two-week exercise more than 800 missions were flown, involving a total of over 1,200 flying hours. Large-scale exercises of this format are not common in Europe despite the fact that they are very important in an environment that almost always has fighters operating in a multi-national context (for example, the air campaign against ISIS over Syria and Iraq). In order to perform these types of operations, realistic training with partner air forces remains necessary. For fighter pilots, it is important to plan, execute and evaluate complex flight assignments. The assignments distributed to the individual groups are eventually brought together in a complex scenario in which everyone has a specified role. The fighters participating in the Tiger Meet essentially practiced aspects such as air defence, escort and strike, while the similarly-painted helicopters mainly trained for Special Forces operations and personnel recovery.
The field of participants of the NATO Tiger Meet was very varied, with eight countries participating in the COMAO exercise. In addition to the French Navy, the French participation also included seven Air Force Rafales from Mont-de-Marsan along with four Army Aviation Gazelles from Etain-Rouvres. The Swiss Air Force sent five F/A-18 Hornets from Meiringen, the Austrians deputed three Saab 105Ö trainers from Linz-Horsching, the Italians were represented by four Eurofighters from Gioia del Colle and two AB-212ICO helicopters from Grazzanise, the Belgians participated with five F-16s from 31 Squadron at Kleine-Brogel, and the Royal Netherlands Air Force sent eight F-16s from 313 Squadron at Volkel. The final fast jet participant was the Czech Air Force, with four JAS-39 Gripens from Cáslav. The British sent a RAF Puma HC2 from RAF Benson, and a Navy Sea King ASaC Mk.7 AEW from the Navy.
A French Navy E-2C Hawkeye and two Army EC665 HAP Tigre helicopters also flew along during some scenarios. Poland and Greece sent only observers to this edition, while the entire exercise was coordinated by a NATO E-3 Sentry out of Geilenkirchen in Germany. Traditionally, the annual Tiger Meet is also a social event. During the Tiger Meet, a number of prizes are awarded in different categories.
As is now standard, NTM 2017 concluded with a NATO Tiger Association award ceremony for various achievements during the meet. The first trophy, awarded to the unit with the best results during the COMAO, was won by the Belgian Air Force’s 31 Squadron. The award for “the most beautifully painted aircraft” was won by the hosts, 11 Flottille of the French Navy, while award for the best uniform was claimed once again by the Belgians. The sports trophy for the ‘Tiger Games’ this year was awarded to EC01.030 of the French Air Force, while prize for the best skit went to the RAF’s No.230 Squadron. The Silver Tiger Trophy, for best all-round performance at NTM 2017 went to No.31 Squadron of Belgium.
Specially marked French Air Force Rafales
Italian AB212 in special tiger-themed colours
Belgian F-16AM with NTM paint scheme
Text: Alex van Noije & Joris van Boven
Photos: Alex van Noije