Does the Northrop F-5 Tiger Still Matter?

Although it is a six-decade-old platform, the F-5’s enduring relevance is a testament to Northrop’s engineering foresight.

Despite being introduced in the early 1960s, the Northrop F-5 remains an enduring platform. Export customers around the world, including Thailand, Taiwan, and Brazil, still rely on the platform. Originally designed as a lightweight and cost-effective supersonic aircraft, the F-5 has enjoyed six decades of service—primarily in air defense, pilot training, and aggressor roles. The aircraft’s simplicity, agility, and low operating costs make it an attractive option for air forces on a tighter budget. 

Many Countries Still Rely on the F-5

Several nations still operate their F-5s in frontline or support roles. Brazil, for example, has upgraded its F-5 fleet with improved radar, avionics, and weapons integration, allowing for continued use in an air policing role. Thailand also operates the F-5, as demonstrated during the recent border skirmish with Cambodia. Upgrades of the Thai F-5TH Super Tigris have allowed the aircraft to remain in frontline service, providing limited multirole operations.

In addition, Iran still employs a large fleet of F-5 aircraft, which it exported from the United States under the Shah’s rule. Tehran has managed to reverse-engineer some aspects of the F-5, resulting in several domestically produced versions such as the Kowsar fighter. Taiwan and Vietnam also use the F-5, though each is beginning to aggressively phase the aircraft out, relegating them to training and secondary defense roles. Meanwhile, Switzerland uses the F-5 in non-combat roles, namely as an aerial aggressor trainer, simulating enemy fighters for the Swiss F/A-18 squadrons.

Although the US Air Force no longer uses the F-5 in combat, private contractors such as Top Aces and Draken International operate refurbished F-5s in aggressor squadrons to replicate potential adversaries in air combat exercises. The F-5 is primarily used to replicate the size and maneuverability of aircraft like the Russian MiG-21 or Chinese J-7. 

What’s So Great About the F-5, Anyway?

From a performance standpoint, the F-5 is a nimble, responsive aircraft, capable of excellent handling characteristics. With two General Electric J-85-GE-21B afterburning turbojet engines that provide about 5,000 pounds of thrust, the F-5 can achieve a respectable top speed of Mach 1.6 (1,190 mph). The aircraft is capable of climbing rapidly and executing tight turns, making it adept at dogfighting. While emphasis on dogfighting has slowed down in the era of beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagements, the F-5’s ability to perform admirably in a dogfighting role remains impressive. 

The F-5 has a combat radius of about 560 kilometers and a ferry range of 2,500 kilometers with external tanks. While not designed for BVR combat, the F-5 has a low radar cross section (RCS), which has enabled the aircraft to retain relevance as a competent short-range fighter, particularly in defensive or point-intercept missions. 

Structurally, the aircraft is very compact and lightweight—with a wingspan just over eight meters and a takeoff weight of just 11,000 kilograms. The aircraft’s minimalist design contributes to its low operating costs. 

Although it is a six-decade-old platform, the F-5’s enduring relevance is a testament to Northrop’s engineering foresight. While the United States has been chasing cutting-edge and expensive fighters, much of the world’s market is interested in affordable, versatile, and effective fighters.

About the Author: Harrison Kass

Harrison Kass is a Senior Defense and National Security Writer at The National Interest. Kass is an attorney and former political candidate who joined the US Air Force as a pilot trainee before being medically discharged. He focuses on military strategy, aerospace, and global security affairs. He holds a JD from the University of Oregon and a master’s in Global Journalism and International Relations from NYU. 

Image: Wikimedia Commons.