NTM 2024: Tiger squadrons roar in Germany as F-35 makes exercise debut

French Navy Rafale lands at Schleswig-Jagel air base, Germany, during NTM 2024 exercise.

This year's edition of the traditional NATO Tiger Meet took place at the German air base Schleswig-Jagel, in the northern part of Germany, from 3 to 13 June 2024. The NATO Tiger Meet offers a unique opportunity for allied Tiger squadrons and partners to train to NATO standards while increasing flight capabilities and interoperability. The meeting in Schleswig-Jagel was hosted by the German TLG-51 "Immelmann" squadron which is based in the far north of the nation. The 2024 Tiger Meet also marked the debut of the F-35A Lightning II in the exercise. The Royal Netherlands Air Force was the first Tiger unit to participate with the fifth generation fighter in the exercise.

Background

With the main goals of sharing experiences, increasing interoperability, exemplary values and team spirit as a guiding principle, the NATO Tiger Meet has developed into an important exercise within NATO in almost 60 years. The tradition teaches that the participating squadrons, whether they are flying with airplanes or helicopters, are always present in the well-known tiger colors. The squadron emblem of all these participants is the tiger. This predator is a formidable and proud predator and an excellent hunter, this character fits exactly with the operational units of the NATO countries. The motto of the tiger units in Europe is "Hard to be Humble".

International Training

The NATO Tiger Meet (NTM) is not only about the team spirit and the traditions which are being propagated. In addition to these social activities, it is also about training the tough reality of modern scenarios during various conflicts. Different scenarios are practiced daily in which two training waves a day are launched. The purpose of this exercise is to intensify cooperation with the other participating nations. The exchange of experience between the armed forces relates to aviation and technical aspects. In the former, the debriefing, the joint follow-up to the mission, proves to be particularly valuable. The exchange of knowledge, technologies and cultural values promotes innovation and understanding. In this way, all participating nations benefit from the shared experiences and progress.

Participants NTM24

In Germany, there are two so-called Tiger squadrons that are full members of the NATO Tiger Association. The "51 Tigers" of the Tactical Air Force Wing 51 "Immelmann" (TLG-51) have been full members of the NATO Tiger Association since 1994. The Bavarian Tigers from Neuburg took over the so-called Tiger Spirit in 2013 from the "321 Lechfeld Tigers" of the disbanded Fighter Bomber Wing 32 (JBG-32). The Tactical Air Force Squadron 51 "Immelmann" is the only flying unit of the German Air Force that has the capabilities for manned and unmanned imaging and signal-capturing air-based reconnaissance. On April 1, 2013, the squadron took over the ability to suppress enemy ground-based air defenses from the disbanded Fighter Bomber Squadron 32 from Lechfeld. Equipped with all-weather Tornado ECR fighter aircraft, modern reconnaissance sensors and a deployable evaluation system, the squadron is part of the Bundeswehr's operational forces. Since January 1, 2005, the squadron has also been tasked with the role of naval warfare from the air. TLG-51 is the host unit for this year's Tiger Meet.

Most of the participants operated daily from Schleswig-Jagel Air Base. Both the French Air Force and the French Navy participated with their Dassault Rafales. The Greek, Polish and Turkish air forces were in Germany with their F-16C Fighting Falcons. The Germans from Bavaria and the Italian Air Force sent the EF2000 Eurofighter Typhoon. The Swiss Air Force was the only non-NATO member present at the exercise and deployed the F/A-18C Hornet. Finally, the Czech Air Force participated with the JAS-39C/D Gripen. The Belgian Air Force operated its F-16s from the Kleine-Brogel base during the missions. While the Dutch flew F-35As from Volkel Air Base in the Netherlands. The Geilenkirchen NATO unit also operated from its home base with the E-3A Sentry to lead Tiger Meet missions. Alongside the fighter planes, helicopters also participated in the Tiger Meet. The French Army (ALAT) operated in Germany with Gazelle, NH90 and Tigre helicopters. While the German Navy took part with the MFG-5 unit. This unit is not a member of the Tiger Association, but operated a Lynx helicopter during missions.

Debut F-35A Lightning II

One of the most remarkable participants in this year's Tiger Meet was the participation of the Dutch 313 Squadron from the Netherlands. This unit is based at Volkel Air Base and would operate during the meeting from their home base. The 313 Squadron is the first unit in the history of the Tiger Meet which participated with the Lockheed-Martin F-35A Lightning II. Despite the fact that they flew from their home base it is still the debut of the F-35A Lightning II on this famous stage. The 313 Squadron would fly along in the missions twice a day with three to four aircraft. Four aircraft would come over to Schleswig-Jagel during the weekend to participate in the Tiger games which took place in during weekend. On Friday, the four aircraft arrived at the German Airbase after the morning sortie.

Trophies and Awards

Traditionally, trophies are awarded every year to the participating units in different categories. The main prize that can be won is the Silver Tiger, which was taken home this year by the Polish 6elt from Poznan Air Base. This prize means that the Polish Air Force had the best overall performance during all the aspects of the Tiger Meet. Also the Tiger games were won by the Polish unit. During these games the teams of all the countries play simple funny games against each-other to socialize next to the hard working during the missions on the flying days. The Tiger games are traditionally held in the weekend between the two mission weeks. The best skit award is given to the participant who has the best performance and best show during the Tiger Meet. The intention is to give a small show with much humor and self spotting involved.

The winner of this award this year was the French unit EC3/30 "Lorraine" from the French base Mont-de-Marsan. The trophy for the best performing unit during the exercises is a very important trophy as it says something about the performance of the unit in their core job. This year the prize was won by the french 11 Flotille of the French Navy. This unit is from BAN Landivisiau and operates the Dassault Rafale Marine. The unit had the best overall performance during the exercise missions during the NTM. One of the most important prizes in the area of ecstatic is the trophy for the best looking tiger print. It is a tradition that all units bring one special paint aircraft to the NATO Tiger Meet. Next year the Tiger Spirit will show its skill on Beja Air Base when the Portuguese 301 "jaguar" Squadron will host the NATO Tiger Meet.