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 NATOair forces. However, it is not part of the formal NATO structure.
As of May 2016, the squadrons[1] included in the Association are 24 full members, 10 honorary members, and 7 disbanded members, all of which have a tiger as part of their squadroncrests. 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.
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.