Aviation News – NATO Tiger Meet 2025 opened yesterday at Air Base No. 11 in Beja, Portugal, with more than 80 aircraft movements marking the start of Europe’s largest multinational air exercise. The second day also welcomed aviation enthusiasts for Spottersday, offering rare access to one of the alliance’s most dynamic training events.
The exercise officially began on September 23, bringing together squadrons from Italy, Greece, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Switzerland, Spain, the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, France, and Austria. Fighter jets, helicopters, transport aircraft, and surveillance platforms took to the skies as allied forces prepared for two weeks of intensive training designed to enhance interoperability in international operations.
Spottersday allowed around 150 aviation photographers and enthusiasts to witness the action up close. Elevated ground on both sides of the runway gave excellent vantage points for capturing arrivals and departures. While lunch arrangements and queuing for food drew mixed reviews, the event also featured squadron merchandise stands and social opportunities, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
“Exercises like NATO Tiger Meet are not only vital for operational readiness but also an opportunity to showcase the strength of international cooperation,” said a NATO spokesperson at the event. “Engaging with the public through Spottersday is a way to share this spirit beyond the military community.”
The Tiger Meet is renowned for combining high-level military training with cultural exchange, symbolized by the “tiger spirit” of participating squadrons. For enthusiasts, the chance to see aircraft such as Eurofighters, F-16 Fighting Falcons, Tornados, Gripens, and E-3A Sentries in one place is a highlight rarely matched in Europe.
As NATO Tiger Meet 2025 continues, both operational crews and civilian spectators benefit—militaries sharpen their ability to respond collectively to crises, while the aviation community gains an insider’s glimpse of the alliance’s capabilities. The combination of serious training and public engagement underscores NATO’s dual commitment to security and transparency.
Photos Steve Morris
