31 Tiger Squadron

16/05/2026

Our last formation break over Araxos Air Base during NATO Tiger Meet 2026.
A fantastic NTM 2026 with the squadron bringing home the Best Flying Ops award once again. TTT🐯🐅

10/05/2026

First NTM at KB

In 1963, 31 Squadron made history by hosting its very first NATO Tiger Meet at Kleine-Brogel Air Base. 🐯✈️
It was a landmark edition—the first Tiger Meet ever held outside the United Kingdom. From 27 to 30 August 1963, Kleine-Brogel became the center of Tiger Spirit as 8 squadrons from 6 nations gathered for this growing international tradition.
A total of 28 aircraft deployed for the event, filling the Belgian skies with some of the era’s most legendary fighters. Among them were the formidable F-100D Super Sabre of the 79th TFS, the mighty F-105D Thunderchief of the 53rd TFS, the sleek Lightning F1 of 74 (F) Squadron, and the elegant Super Mystère B2 of EC 1/12.
But this meet was about far more than impressive aircraft. Together, these squadrons conducted tactical flying missions and trained side by side—strengthening the cooperation and combat readiness that would become the hallmark of every NATO Tiger Meet.
What began in 1963 was only the start. This would become the first of seven (or eight if you count the XTM in 2021) NATO Tiger Meets hosted by 31 Squadron—a legacy of leadership, excellence, and unwavering Tiger Spirit.
The roar over Kleine-Brogel had only just begun. 🔥🐯

04/05/2026

31 Squadron and the NATO Tiger Meet share a legacy that stretches back more than six decades. 🐯✈️
It all began in August 1962, when 31 Squadron made its first-ever Tiger Meet appearance at RAF Woodbridge, United Kingdom. Hosted by the 79th Tactical Fighter Squadron (USAF), this was only the second NATO Tiger Meet in history, following the inaugural edition in 1961.
From 22 to 25 August 1962, 31 Squadron joined seven other units as one of eight participating squadrons, deploying four F-84F Thunderstreaks to the event. What may have seemed like a single deployment would become a defining chapter in the squadron’s history.
That first participation marked the beginning of an enduring bond. Over the decades, 31 Squadron would go on to attend countless Tiger Meets and grow into one of the leading pillars of the NATO Tiger community.
And here’s a remarkable twist of history: one of the pilots flying at this year’s NATO Tiger Meet is the grandson of one of the original four 31 Squadron pilots who took part in that historic 1962 edition.
The legacy continues. 🔥🐯

06/03/2026

Throwback to the reveal of this absolutely fabulous tail design for 31 Squadron last week. One of the ventral fins is also dedicated to our long-standing history with the NATO Tiger Association, which is celebrating its 65th anniversary. TTT 🐯

27/02/2026

It’s here. 🐯🔥

Our 75th Anniversary livery has officially been unveiled.

FA-101 now wears a specially designed scheme to celebrate 75 years of 31 Squadron excellence. One side of the Tiger Tail honors our rich operational history. The other proudly displays the Tiger Squadron crest—alongside our squadron motto, In sanguine vinum. A powerful expression of our operational readiness and prowess. Together, they symbolize the courage, skill, determination, and enduring spirit of our members—past, present, and future.

This design captures exactly who we are: where proud heritage, proven operational readiness, and a bold future stand united.

The Tiger Tail will make its NATO Tiger Meet debut at NTM 2026, hosted at Araxos Air Base, Greece.

A special thank you to Johan Wolfs for creating the outstanding design and for working closely alongside the Paint shop KB team to bring this Tiger Tail to life through their exceptional craftsmanship and dedication.

The countdown to NTM 2026 has begun.

26/02/2026

48 years ago, 31 Tiger Squadron unveiled its very first aircraft in a full Tiger livery. 🎨

In June 1978, the legendary FX-52 made its debut in striking tiger markings. The F-104G was specially painted for the 1978 Tiger Meet, proudly hosted by 31 at Kleine-Brogel Air Base. What began as a bold statement on a single Starfighter became the foundation of a tradition—one that would grow into an iconic series of Tiger designs, earning 31 Squadron worldwide recognition.

Today, that legacy roars on. 🐯

31 Squadron is proud to add yet another Tiger Tail to its storied heritage—continuing a tradition that has defined its identity for nearly five decades. Stay tuned… the next chapter is ready to be unveiled.🔥

23/02/2026

On 23 February 1953, the 10th Wing departed Chièvres Air Base for a new chapter at Kleine-Brogel Air Base. That day, eleven F-84 Thunderjets lifted off for KB in four formations. Leading the way was Seaman Red, commanded by “Duke”, followed in close succession by Seaman Yellow and Seaman Blue. The following day, two additional formations completed the move.

Yet on paper, 31 Squadron’s official transfer to Kleine-Brogel was dated 20 March 1953. At the time of the aircraft movement, no pilots—apart from the Commanding Officer—nor jets were formally assigned to the squadron.

The two years that followed were marked by organizational reform and personnel restructuring. By June 1954, 31 Squadron had begun its steady climb toward full operational strength.

The early jet era demanded resilience. Ongoing (re-) construction at Kleine-Brogel forced repeated deployments to Geilenkirchen, Weelde, and Bierset. It was a restless beginning—but in early 1955, the squadron finally returned home for good. Kleine-Brogel has remained its home base ever since.

18/02/2026

The continuation of a proud heritage.
From FX52 at NTM ’78 to FA101 for 75 years of 31 Squadron. Today, the tiger tail comes to life — a tribute to the past, painted for the future.
Stay tuned. 🐯

04/02/2026