The multinational NATO Tiger Meet 2022 (NTM22) will be hosted for the first time by 335 Squadron of the Hellenic Air Force at Araxos Air Base, Greece, May 9-20, 22. The NATO Tiger Meet 2022 will be a live-fly event with more than 60 fighter jets, helicopters, Airborne Early Warning aircraft and 1,000 personnel from Allied and Partner Air Forces from across Europe working together daily. This multinational environment provides a unique opportunity to all participants, offering high quality operational training under the concept ‘Train as you Fight’, improving tactics, techniques and procedures, and taking interoperability to the next level.
“It is an honour for 335 Squadron to host the NATO Tiger Meet for the first time,” said Lieutenant Colonel Ntanos Ioannis, Officer Commanding 335 Squadron. “Conducting high intensity, joint training with colleagues from different nations is essential to sharpen our skills and build a collective understanding for the execution of air operations.”
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. 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 Cambresis of the French Armée de l’air to Woodbridge in England. 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.
“Tiger Squadrons” are aircraft and helicopter squadrons featuring a tiger in their squadron patch. Since the 1960, annual training events have been organized by the NATO Tiger Association in liaison with one of its member squadrons. The training applies NATO standards bringing together Allied and Partner aircraft for two weeks of live-flying in highly sophisticated, challenging scenarios. The multinational and joint training environment further increases flying skills, strengthens international relations among squadrons and promotes the NATO Tiger Association’s traditions.
