Thunder Tigers

Thunder Tigers is a four-ship F-16 formation display drawn from the 31 Tiger Squadron (10th Tactical Wing) of Belgium’s Air & Space Component, based at Kleine Brogel Air Base. The team showcases precision formation work, high-energy passes and opposition manoeuvres with frontline, combat-coded jets.

Crews are operational fighter pilots flying their regular aircraft, which gives the sequence authentic tactical flavour. Thunder Tigers displays are frequent highlights at the Sanicole International Airshow (including the Sunset show) and Belgian Air Force Days, with occasional appearances at select European venues.

A typical routine runs about 10 minutes and blends fingertip formation changes, crossovers, high-G turns and landing-config passes that underline the F-16’s versatility and the squadron’s teamwork.

Role & origin. The F-16 is a single-engine, fly-by-wire multirole fighter conceived as a lightweight day fighter and evolved into a highly adaptable all-weather platform. Belgian aircraft are F-16AM (MLU-upgraded) variants.

Layout & performance. A frameless bubble canopy, side-stick controller and relaxed-stability design give excellent visibility and agility. A single afterburning turbofan provides a thrust-to-weight ratio near or above 1:1 for strong climb and sustained turns.

In Belgian service. Belgium introduced the F-16 at the end of the 1970s with local final assembly by SABCA. The jet remains the backbone of Belgian fast-jet operations and the mount for Thunder Tigers’ four-ship displays.

1951: Formation of 31 “Tiger” Squadron within the 10th Tactical Wing. Through the Cold War the unit transitioned from early jets to modern multirole types.

Late 1970s–1980s: Introduction of the F-16 in Belgian service, with local final assembly by SABCA and progressive upgrades to today’s F-16AM standard.

2010s–present: Revival of a four-ship F-16 formation under the Thunder Tigers banner, appearing prominently at Sanicole and Belgian Air Force Days, and representing Belgium at select European events and Tiger-themed gatherings.

Today: Thunder Tigers remains a squadron-sourced team—operational pilots, operational jets—emphasising precision, discipline and public outreach.

• Thunder Tigers is built around 31 Tiger Squadron, a long-standing member of the tiger community in NATO exercises.
• The team’s signature venue is the Sanicole International Airshow, including the dramatic Sunset show.
• Displays use frontline F-16AM aircraft—often the same jets flown on operational sorties.
• SABCA carried out Belgian F-16 final assembly and deep maintenance, helping sustain the fleet for display and operational roles.
• A Thunder Tigers routine typically lasts ~10 minutes and features opposition passes and formation breaks to keep crowd focus tight.