The NATO Tiger Association or the Association of Tiger Squadrons was established in 1959. Promoted by French Defence minister Pierre Messmer, its role is to promote solidarity between NATO air forces. It is not, though, part of the formal NATO structure.
The USAFE (United States Air Force Europe) 79th TFS (Tactical Fighter Squadron) took the initiative and on 19 July 1961 they invited No. 74 Squadron RAF and EC 1/12 Squadron of the French Armée de l`air to Woodbridge in England. France was then a full military member of NATO.
What the participating squadrons have in common is that they have a tiger as part of its squadron crest. 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.
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