Second Wind for the F-5: Marine Corps Breathes New Life Into Legendary Fighter for Aggressor Squadron

The United States Marine Corps has taken a significant leap forward in sharpening its air combat training edge with the arrival of the first F-5 Tiger fighter jet at Cecil Field Naval Air Station.

Delivered in late March by a KC-130J transport aircraft, as reported by NAVAIR (Naval Air Systems Command) last Thursday, April 4, the aircraft’s arrival marks the initial step in integrating these former Swiss Air Force jets into the Corps’ aggressor fleet.

The F-5 will now undergo the second phase of a comprehensive modernization program designed to transform it into a cutting-edge training adversary.

Bolstering Dissimilar Air Combat Training (DACT)

The arrival of the F-5 Tiger signifies a pivotal moment for the Marine Corps Dissimilar Air Combat Training (DACT) program.

Dissimilar air combat training pits Marine pilots against aircraft that mimic the capabilities and tactics of potential adversaries.

On How DACT Works: The DACT trains pilots in a controlled environment by exposing them to realistic combat scenarios against dissimilar aircraft. It hones their decision-making skills, situational awareness, and combat reflexes, ensuring they are fully prepared for any situation.

The F-5 Tiger: A Proven Performer Gets a Modern Makeover

The Marine Corps acquired a total of 22 F-5 Tigers in 2020.

This batch includes a mix of single-seat F-5E and double-seat F-5F variants, offering flexibility for both solo and tandem training missions.

Previously retired from service with the Swiss Air Force, these fighters will undergo a complete rejuvenation process through the Avionics Reconfiguration and Tactical Modernization Program for Inventory Standardization (ARTEMIS).

The ARTEMIS program, overseen by the Swiss aerospace and defense company RUAG, encompasses a multi-faceted approach to revitalizing the F-5 fleet.

Extensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) will be performed on the airframes and their J-85 turbojet engines, ensuring peak performance and reliability.

Additionally, the program incorporates a critical upgrade – the integration of modern avionics and a new glass cockpit.

This advanced technology will provide USMC pilots with enhanced situational awareness and improved control over the modernized F-5 during training exercises.

The first F-5 is projected to complete the ARTEMIS program and become operational in early 2025.

The US Navy’s NAVAIR anticipates incorporating a total of eleven F-5s by 2028.

The remaining aircraft may serve as a valuable source of spare parts, ensuring the operational longevity of the newly modernized aggressor fleet.

The Impact: Strengthening Existing Capabilities and Potential for Expansion

The arrival of the F-5 Tigers significantly bolsters the capabilities of the existing 401st Fighter Squadron (VMFT-401), also known as the “Snipers.”

As the USMC’s premier aggressor squadron stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, the Snipers play a vital role in sharpening the combat skills of Marine Corps pilots.

The additional F-5s will enable the Snipers to offer a wider range of training scenarios and potentially expand the size and scope of their operations.

Furthermore, the influx of F-5s could pave the way for the establishment of a second dedicated aggressor squadron within the USMC.

This expansion would significantly enhance the capacity and effectiveness of the USMC’s DACT program, ensuring that future generations of Marine Corps aviators are thoroughly prepared to face any challenge in the skies.

The arrival of the first F-5 Tiger marks a new chapter in the USMC’s commitment to providing its pilots with the most realistic and challenging training environment possible.

With the modernized F-5s joining the ranks, the USMC aggressor fleet will be poised to deliver unparalleled DACT experiences for years to come.