The 55th edition of the NATO Tiger Meet saw a return to France, this time heading to Mont-de-Marsan. Situated between Bordeaux and Toulouse, BA 118 is traditionally home to two squadrons of the French-built Dassault Rafale, though for the two week exercise it played host to aircraft and helicopters from seven other nations.
General Dynamics F-16 operaters were well represented, with aircraft coming from the Belgian Air Component, Royal Netherlands Air Force and Portuguese Air Force. In addition to the Vipers and Rafales, there were also Eurofighter Typhoons (Italian Air Force), Panavia Tornados (German Air Force), McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornets (Spanish Air Force), Dassault Mirage 2000Ds (French Air Force) and the venerable Saab 105s, operated by the Austrian Air Force.
After issues in the previous two years in terms of access and viewing area positioning, the layout at Mont-de-Marsan was perfectly located. The biggest challenge came in the form of the weather, with rain and cool temperatures making for occasionally difficult conditions to shoot in, however they also presented some different and interesting opportunities.
Alongside the military movements, Friday saw a practice display from the Armée de l’Air’s Rafale Solo Demonstration, with Capitaine Sébastien Nativel putting on a very punchy show. The day concluded with a special flypast from three of the special-schemed Tiger Meet aircraft and the Patrouille de France, before the latter ran through their full 2019 routine.
Below is a gallery from one day off-base, and one day on, a special thanks must go to the French Air Force and NATO Tiger Association staff who made the event run so smoothly.
