The NATO Tiger Meet returned for the sixth time to Kleine Brogel Air Base in Belgium from 18 to 25 June 2001, with the Belgian Air Force’s 31 Squadron “Tigers” acting as host. Having previously organized successful Tiger Meets in 1963, 1970, 1978, 1985 and 1993, the Belgian Tigers once again welcomed squadrons from across Europe. Despite many participating air forces being heavily committed to operational deployments in the Balkans at the time, the 2001 edition still attracted an impressive line-up of aircraft and participating units.

Participants
The exercise brought together an excellent mix of aircraft types from across Europe. These included Belgian F-16 Fighting Falcons, Dutch F-16AMs from 313 Squadron at Twente, French Mirage 2000Cs and Mirage F1CTs, German Tornado IDS and ECR aircraft, Turkish F-16C/Ds, Portuguese Alpha Jets, Czech Mi-24 Hinds and RAF Puma HC.1 helicopters. Daily Composite Air Operations (COMAO) formed the heart of the exercise, allowing crews to train together in realistic multinational strike, escort and air defence scenarios.

Visiting aircraft
Tiger Meet 2001 was particularly memorable for the remarkable number of visiting aircraft. Highlights included a KC-135E Stratotanker, RAF Lakenheath F-15E Strike Eagles, USAF A-10s from Spangdahlem, Norwegian F-16s, Luftwaffe MiG-29s, Swiss Mirage IIIRS and French Jaguars. A B-1B from Ellsworth AFB made a fly-by.

Tiger Competition
Throughout the week, flying operations were combined with the well-known Tiger competitions, sporting events and social activities, all designed to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the participating squadrons. The prestigious Silver Tiger Trophy was ultimately awarded to the French EC 1/12, flying the Mirage 2000.