The Czechs completed 664 tasks over a number of sorties during the two week long NATO Tiger Meet and proved their qualities in dozens of simulated air duels, in rescue operations in aid of downed pilots, in seeking and destroying important targets in the opponents' rear and as protection of helicopters with paratroopers.

“Our training program and our skills, in conjunction with Gripen has allowed us to win this important award. The reason why Gripen was a star of Tiger Meet is its ability to solve the tasks at the longest possible distance – without a direct dogfight with the enemy” said the Commander of 211th Tactical Squadron at Čáslav Air Force Base, LtCol Jaroslav Míka in Czech Television.

Czech Gripen with tiger markings during NATO Tiger Meet. Photo: Ulrich Metternich/Luftwaffe.

Positive image of Gripen

“I'm very proud and happy on behalf of the Czech squadron. It's an important and prestigious award they have received. When our customers perform as well as the Czechs have now done it also provides a positive image of our aircraft and further increases our reputation"says Bengt Littke, Program Director for Gripen in the Czech Republic.

The NATO Tiger Association

The NATO Tiger Association (NTA) brings together units from all over the world that have a tiger or other big cat in their logos or emblems. The large-scale international exercise, NATO Tiger Meet intended by the association to strengthen the ties between its members took place between 4 and 15 October at the Royal Netherlands Air Force air base of Volkel. All of the other participating squadrons during this year Tiger Meet recommended the Czech 211th tactical squadron for the award.

Full membership

Additional to this prestigious award the 211th tactical squadron also became full members of the NATO Tiger Association during Tiger Meet.