View source for Northrop F-5

{{Short description|US lightweight low-cost fighter aircraft}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
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{{Infobox aircraft
 |name= {{unbulleted list |F-5A/B Freedom Fighter |F-5E/F Tiger II}}
 |image= File:J-3005.jpg
 |image_caption= An F-5E of the [[Swiss Air Force]]
 |alt= 
 |aircraft_type= [[Light fighter]]
 |national_origin= United States
 |manufacturer= [[Northrop Corporation]]
 |first_flight= {{unbulleted list |F-5A: 30 July 1959 |F-5E: 11 August 1972}}
 |introduction= 1964
 |number_built= {{unbulleted list |A/B/C/D: 1,204 |E/F: 1,399<ref name= Johnsen_p90>{{harvnb|Johnsen|2006|p=90}}.</ref>}}
 |status= In service
 |primary_user= [[United States Navy]] <!--Limit one (1) primary user. Top 4 users listed in 'primary user' and 'more users' fields based on numbers in service.  See Operators section for others. -->
 |more_users= {{unbulleted list |[[Republic of China Air Force]] |[[Republic of Korea Air Force]] |[[Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force]]}}<!-- This field is limited to only THREE (3) "more users". -->
 |produced= 1959–1987
 |developed_from= [[Northrop T-38 Talon]]
 |variants= {{unbulleted list |[[Canadair CF-5]] |[[Shaped Sonic Boom Demonstration]]}}
 |developed_into= {{unbulleted list |[[Northrop YF-17]] |[[Northrop F-20 Tigershark]] |[[HESA Azarakhsh]] |[[HESA Saeqeh]] |[[HESA Kowsar]]}}
}}

The '''Northrop F-5''' is a family of [[supersonic]] [[light fighter]] aircraft initially designed as a privately funded project in the late 1950s by [[Northrop Corporation]]. There are two main models: the original '''F-5A''' and '''F-5B Freedom Fighter''' variants, and the extensively updated '''F-5E''' and '''F-5F Tiger&nbsp;II''' variants. The design team wrapped a small, highly aerodynamic fighter around two compact [[General Electric J85]] engines, focusing on performance and a low cost of maintenance. Smaller and simpler than contemporaries such as the [[McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom&nbsp;II]], the F-5 costs less to procure and operate, making it a popular export aircraft. Though primarily designed for a day air superiority role, the aircraft is also a capable ground-attack platform. The F-5A entered service in the early 1960s. During the [[Cold War]], over 800 were produced through 1972 for US allies. Despite the [[United States Air Force]] (USAF) not needing a light fighter at the time, it did procure approximately 1,200 [[Northrop T-38 Talon]] trainer aircraft, which were based on Northrop's N-156 fighter design.

After winning the International Fighter Aircraft Competition, a program aimed at providing effective low-cost fighters to American allies, in 1972 Northrop introduced the second-generation F-5E Tiger&nbsp;II. This upgrade included more powerful engines, larger fuel capacity, greater wing area and improved leading-edge extensions for better turn rates, optional air-to-air refueling, and improved avionics, including air-to-air radar. Primarily used by American allies, it remains in US service to support training exercises. It has served in a wide array of roles, being able to perform both air and ground attack duties; the type was used extensively in the [[Vietnam War]].<ref name="joebaugher.com">{{cite web |last= Baugher |first= Joseph ‘Joe’ |url= http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/f5_40.html |title= Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II in Service with Vietnam |access-date= 17 December 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151222123857/http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/f5_40.html |archive-date= 22 December 2015 |url-status= dead}}</ref> A total of 1,400 Tiger&nbsp;IIs were built before production ended in 1987. More than 3,800 F-5s and the closely related T-38 advanced trainer aircraft were produced in [[Hawthorne, California]].<ref name= AvWeek_F-5_T-38_update>"Military Aircraft Update: Northrop F-5/T-38". ''Aviation Week & Space Technology'' (Aviation Week Intelligence Network), Vol.&nbsp;175, Issue&nbsp;39, 21&nbsp;November 2013, p.&nbsp;89.</ref> The F-5N/F variants are in service with the [[United States Navy]] and [[United States Marine Corps]] as [[Dissimilar air combat training|adversary trainers]].<ref name= "USN F-5N" /> Over 400 aircraft were in service as of 2021.<ref name="waf22p10">{{harvnb|Hoyle|2021|p=10}}.</ref>{{refn|The 412 F-5s in service as of December 2021 made it the tenth most common active fighter and attack jet, comprising about 3% of the world's tactical jet warplanes.<ref name="waf22p10"/>|group=N}}

The F-5 was also developed into a dedicated [[reconnaissance aircraft]], the RF-5 Tigereye. The F-5 also served as a starting point for a series of design studies which resulted in the [[Northrop YF-17]] and the [[McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet|F/A-18]] naval fighter aircraft. The [[Northrop F-20 Tigershark]] was an advanced variant to succeed the F-5E which was ultimately canceled when export customers did not emerge.

==Design and development==

===Origins===
The design effort was led by Northrop vice president of engineering and aircraft designer [[Edgar Schmued]],<ref>{{harvnb|Garrison|2005}}</ref> who previously at [[North American Aviation]] had been the chief designer of the successful [[North American P-51 Mustang]] and [[North American F-86 Sabre|F-86 Sabre]] fighters. Schmued recruited a strong engineering team to Northrop.<ref>{{harvnb|Wagner|2000|p=195}}.</ref>

In December 1953, [[NATO]] issued [[NBMR-1]], calling for a lightweight tactical fighter capable of carrying conventional and nuclear weapons and operating from rough airfields. In late 1954, a Northrop team toured Europe and Asia to examine both the NBMR-1 and the needs of [[SEATO]] members. From this tour, Schmued gave his team the goal of reversing the trend in fighter development towards greater size and weight in order to deliver an aircraft with high performance, enhanced maneuverability, and high reliability, while still delivering a cost advantage over contemporary fighters.<ref>{{harvnb|Stuart|1978|pp=5–7}}.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=1987-01-16 |title=Era of the F-5 Ends After Three Decades |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-01-16-fi-3612-story.html |access-date=2024-01-25 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Recognizing that expensive jet aircraft could not viably be replaced every few years, he also demanded "engineered growth potential" allowing service longevity in excess of 10 years.<ref>{{harvnb|Wagner|2000|p=197}}.</ref>

The design began to firm up in 1955 with the introduction of the [[General Electric J85]] turbojet engine. Originally developed for McDonnell's [[ADM-20 Quail]] decoy for use on the [[Boeing B-52 Stratofortress]],<ref name="Claws p111-4">{{harvnb|Braybrook|1982|pp=111–114}}.</ref> the J85 had a [[thrust-to-weight ratio]] of 6.25 to 7.5 depending on the version, giving it a notable advantage over contemporaries such as the 4.7 ratio of the [[J79]] engine used in the [[McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II|F-4 Phantom]].<ref>{{harvnb|Stuart|1978|p=21}}.</ref>

===Design evolution===
Using a pair of J85s as the baseline, the team began considering a series of prospective designs. Among the earliest concepts was the N-156TX of March 1955. This mounted the engines in pods, one under each wing about mid-span. The fuselage was quite slim compared to the final design, with a crew of two under a narrow cockpit canopy.<ref name=f1960>''Flight'', 8 January 1960, pp. 46-47</ref>

That year, the [[US Navy]] expressed an interest in a fighter to operate from its [[escort carrier]]s, which were too small to operate the Navy's existing jet fighters. Northrop responded with a radical redesign, PD-2706, which placed the engines against the fuselage in short ducts exiting in front of the tail area, like the F-4, and moved the elevator up to form a [[T-tail]]. The resulting design had a much shorter fuselage and was quite compact.<ref name=f1960/> Development along these lines ended when the Navy decided to withdraw the escort carriers. Northrop continued development of the N-156, both as a two-seat advanced trainer, designated as N-156T, and a single-seat fighter, designated as N-156F.<ref>{{harvnb|Paloque|2013|pp=4–7}}.</ref>

[[File:Northrop YF-5A.jpg|thumb|The first Northrop YF-5A prototype]]
Another highly influential figure was chief engineer Welko Gasich,<ref>{{harvnb|Garrison|2005}}.</ref> who convinced Schmued that the engines must be located within the fuselage for maximum performance.<ref name="s7">{{harvnb|Stuart|1978|p=7}}.</ref> This led to the January 1956 PD-2812 version which began to look a lot like the final product, although this version had a long-span low-mounted elevator with notable anhedral. March 1956's PD-2832 moved to a more conventional elevator and had a strongly swept vertical stabilizer. The design underwent several further versions over the next year which experimented with different nose designs and continued to lengthen the fuselage. The final design, PD-2879D, emerged in December 1956.<ref name=f1960/>

Gasich also introduced the concept of "life cycle cost" into fighter design, which provided the foundation for the F-5's low operating cost and long service life. A Northrop design study stated "The application of advanced technology was used to provide maximum force effectiveness at minimum cost.  This became the Northrop philosophy in the development of the T-38 and F-5 lightweight trainer and fighter aircraft."<ref name="s7"/>

===Into production===
{{Blockquote |quote=The F-5 earned a reputation for a jet that was hard to discern in the air and when one finally saw it, it was often after a missile or guns kill [by F-5] had already been called. |source=<small>—Singapore's former Chief of Air Force and F-5 pilot, Major General [[Ng Chee Khern]].<ref name="AFM275"/></small>}}

The N-156T was quickly selected by the [[United States Air Force]] as a replacement for the [[Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star|T-33]] in July 1956. On 10 April 1959, the first prototype aircraft, which was subsequently designated as [[Northrop T-38 Talon|YT-38 Talon]], performed its first flight. By the time production had ended in January 1972, a total of 1,189 Talons had been produced.<ref name="WAPJ 25 p50-1">Lake and Hewson 1996, pp. 50–51.</ref><ref name="Claws p114">{{harvnb|Braybrook|1982|p=114}}</ref> Development of the N-156F continued at a lower priority as a private venture by Northrop; on 25 February 1958, an order for three prototypes was issued for a prospective low-cost fighter that could be supplied under the [[Military Assistance Program]] for distribution to less-developed nations. The first N-156F flew at [[Edwards Air Force Base]] on 30 July 1959, exceeding the [[Supersonic#Supersonic flight|speed of sound]] on its first flight.<ref name="WAPJ 25 p51">{{harvnb|Lake|Hewson|1996|p=51}}</ref>

Although testing of the N-156F was successful, demonstrating unprecedented reliability and proving superior in the ground-attack role to the USAF's existing [[North American F-100 Super Sabre]]s, official interest in the Northrop type waned, and by 1960 it looked as if the program was a failure. Interest revived in 1961 when the [[United States Army]] tested it, (along with the [[Douglas A-4 Skyhawk]] and [[Fiat G.91]]) for reconnaissance and close-support. Although all three types proved capable during army testing, operating fixed-wing combat aircraft was legally the responsibility of the Air Force, which would not agree to allow the Army to operate fixed-wing combat aircraft, a situation repeated with the [[de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou|C-7 Caribou]].<ref name="Harding army">{{harvnb|Harding|1990|pp=118–119, 122–123, 188–189}}.</ref>

In 1962, the [[Kennedy Administration]] revived the requirement for a low-cost export fighter, selecting the N-156F as winner of the F-X competition on 23 April 1962, subsequently becoming the "F-5A", and was ordered into production in October that year.<ref name="WAPJ 25 p52-3">{{harvnb|Lake|Hewson|1996|pp=52–53}}</ref> It was named under the [[1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system]], which included a re-set of the fighter number series. Northrop manufactured a total of 624 F-5As, including three YF-5A prototypes,<ref name="nat_museum_F-5">{{cite web |title= Northrop YF-5A Freedom Fighter |website= National Museum of the US Air Force |publisher= US Air Force |url= https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196074/northrop-yf-5a-freedom-fighter/ |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230113193331/https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196074/northrop-yf-5a-freedom-fighter/ |archive-date= 13 January 2023 |url-status= live |access-date= 28 February 2023}}</ref> before production ended in 1972. A further 200 F-5B two-seat trainer aircraft, lacking nose-mounted cannons but otherwise combat-capable, and 86 RF-5A reconnaissance aircraft, fitted with four-camera noses, were also built. In addition, [[Canadair]] built 240 first generation F-5s under license, [[Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA|CASA]] in Spain built 70 more aircraft.<ref name="WAPJ 25 p82-3">{{harvnb|Lake|Hewson|1996|pp=82–83}}</ref>

The [[Royal Norwegian Air Force]] placed the first international order on 28 February 1964.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=1987-01-16 |title=Era of the F-5 Ends After Three Decades |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-01-16-fi-3612-story.html |access-date=2025-02-08 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter |url=https://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/f5_2.html |access-date=2025-02-08 |website=www.joebaugher.com |archive-date=7 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240707051508/http://joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/f5_2.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===F-5E and F-5F Tiger II===
[[File:Northrop F-5E (Tail No. 11417) 061006-F-1234S-067.jpg|thumb|Official roll-out of first USAF F-5E Tiger II]]
[[File:F5E Tiger II B83 HAFB.jpg|thumb|F-5E Tiger II with [[B83 nuclear bomb]] at [[Hill Aerospace Museum]]]]

In 1970, Northrop won the International Fighter Aircraft (IFA) competition to replace the F-5A, with better air-to-air performance against aircraft like the Soviet [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG-21]]. The resulting aircraft, initially known as F-5A-21, subsequently became the F-5E. It had two more powerful GE J85-21 engines, each with {{convert|3600|lbf|kN|abbr=on}} dry thrust and {{convert|5000|lbf|kN|abbr=on}} in afterburner, and had a lengthened and enlarged fuselage to accommodate more fuel. Its wings were fitted with enlarged [[leading edge extension]]s, giving an increased wing area and improved maneuverability. The aircraft's [[avionics]] were more sophisticated, crucially including a [[radar]] (initially the [[Emerson Electric]] [[AN/APQ-153]]) (F-5A and B had no radar). It retained the gun armament of two [[M39 cannon]]s, one on either side of the nose of the F-5A. Various specific avionics fits could be accommodated at a customer's request, including an [[inertial navigation system]], [[TACAN]] and [[Electronic countermeasure|ECM]] equipment.<ref name="WAPJ 25 p58-9 70-1">{{harvnb|Lake|Hewson|1996|pp=58–59, 70–71}}</ref> Additionally the two position nose landing gear from the Canadian CF-5 was incorporated to reduce takeoff distance.<ref name="Claws p116"/>

The first F-5E flew on 11 August 1972.<ref name="Claws p116">{{harvnb|Braybrook|1982|p=116}}.</ref> A two-seat combat-capable trainer, the F-5F, was offered, first flying on 25 September 1974, at Edwards Air Force Base, with a new nose, that was three feet longer, which, unlike the F-5B that did not mount a gun, allowed it to retain a single M39 cannon, albeit with a reduced ammunition capacity.{{sfn|Lake|Hewson|1996|pp=71–72}} The two-seater was equipped with the Emerson AN/APQ-157 radar, which is a derivative of the AN/APQ-153 radar, with dual control and display systems to accommodate the two-men crew, and the radar has the same range of AN/APQ-153, around 10 [[nautical mile|nmi]]. On 6 April 1973, the 425th TFS at Williams Air Force Base, Arizona, received the first F-5E Tiger II.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Tambini |first=Anthony J. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JvANc4CpPnwC&dq=F-5E+Tiger+II+%221973%22+%22Williams+Air+Force+Base%22&pg=PA55 |title=F-5 Tigers Over Vietnam |date=2001 |publisher=Branden Books |isbn=978-0-8283-2059-7 |language=en}}</ref>

[[File:Northrop F-5E (Tail No. 11419) (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|An early series F-5E]]
A [[aerial reconnaissance|reconnaissance]] version, the RF-5E Tigereye, with a sensor package in the nose displacing the radar and one cannon, was also offered.

The F-5E eventually received the official name Tiger II; 792 F-5Es, 146 F-5Fs and 12 RF-5Es were eventually built by Northrop.<ref name="WAPJ 25 p82-3"/> More were built under license overseas: 91 F-5Es and F-5Fs in Switzerland,<ref name="WAPJ 25 p103">{{harvnb|Lake|Hewson|1996|p=103}}</ref> 68 by [[Korean Air]] in South Korea,<ref name="WAPJ 25 p96">{{harvnb|Lake|Hewson|1996|p=96}}</ref> and 308 in [[Taiwan]].<ref name="WAPJ 25 p104">{{harvnb|Lake|Hewson|1996|p=104}}</ref>

The F-5E proved to be a successful combat aircraft in service with US allies, but had no combat service with the US Air Force, though the F-5A with modifications, designated F-5C, was flown by the US in Vietnam.<ref>Tambini, Anthony, ''F-5 Tigers over Vietnam'', 2014, {{ISBN|9780828320597}}.</ref> The F-5E evolved into the single-engine F-5G, which was rebranded the [[Northrop F-20 Tigershark|F-20 Tigershark]]. It lost out on export sales to the [[F-16 Fighting Falcon]] in the 1980s.

===Upgrades===
The F-5E experienced numerous upgrades in its service life, with the most significant one being adopting a new [[planar array radar]], Emerson [[AN/APQ-159]] with a range of 20&nbsp;nmi to replace the original AN/APQ-153. Similar radar upgrades were also proposed for F-5F, with the derivative of AN/APQ-159, the AN/APQ-167, to replace the AN/APQ-157, but that was cancelled. The latest radar upgrade included the Emerson [[AN/APG-69]], which was the successor of AN/APQ-159, incorporating mapping capability. However, most nations chose not to upgrade for financial reasons, and the radar saw very little service in USAF aggressor squadrons and Swiss Air Force.<ref>{{cite web|title=F-5 Tiger II|url=http://www.touchdown-aviation.com/types/swiss-air-force/f-5-tiger-ii.php|website=Touchdown Aviation|access-date=29 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160907134423/http://www.touchdown-aviation.com/types/swiss-air-force/f-5-tiger-ii.php|archive-date=7 September 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Various F-5 versions remain in service with many nations. Having taken delivery of its first F-5 Tigers in 1979, [[Singapore]] operated approximately 49 modernized and re-designated F-5S (single-seat) and F-5T (two-seat) aircraft until the early 2010s when they were retired from service.<ref>{{cite web|last=Waldron |first=Greg |date=2018-02-04 |title=SINGAPORE: RSAF chief discusses future capabilities|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/singapore-rsaf-chief-discusses-future-capabilities/126941.article|access-date=2020-12-04|website=[[FlightGlobal]]}}</ref> Upgrades included new FIAR Grifo-F X-band radar from Galileo Avionica (similar in performance to the AN/APG-69), updated cockpits with multi-function displays, and compatibility with the [[AIM-120 AMRAAM]] and [[Rafael Advanced Defense Systems|Rafael]] [[Python (missile)|Python]] [[air-to-air missile]]s.<ref name="AFM275">Yeo, Mike. "Tigers over Lion City." ''[[AirForces Monthly]]'' ([[Key Publishing]]), Issue 275, March 2011, pp. 86–91. {{ISSN|0955-7091}}. Retrieved: 8 June 2011.</ref><ref name="FSRSAF">[http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/atozlistings/air_force/assets/aircraft/fighters.html "Press release: Assets: Fighter aircraft."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202125847/http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/atozlistings/air_force/assets/aircraft/fighters.html |date=2 February 2014}} ''Ministry of Defence (Singapore)'', 24 April 2010. Retrieved: 8 June 2011.</ref><ref name="FGBRF5">[http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2000/04/11/64402/brazil-favours-grifo-f-radar-for-f-5br-upgrade.html "Brazil favours Grifo F radar for F-5BR upgrade".] ''[[FlightGlobal]]'', 11 April 2000. Retrieved: 8 June 2011.</ref>

[[File:Northrop F-5E (modified) DARPA sonic tests 04.07R.jpg|thumb|NASA F-5E modified for DARPA sonic boom tests]]
One [[National Aeronautics and Space Administration]] (NASA) F-5E was given a modified fuselage shape for its employment in the [[Shaped Sonic Boom Demonstration]] program carried out by [[Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency]] (DARPA). It is preserved in the [[Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum]] at [[Titusville, Florida]].<ref>[http://www.vacwarbirds.org/AirplaneGallery/index.html "F5E-Modified."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212002603/http://www.vacwarbirds.org/AirplaneGallery/index.html |date=12 February 2012}} ''vacwarbirds.org.'' Retrieved: 24 April 2012.</ref>

The [[Royal Thai Air Force]] (RTAF) had their F-5s undergo an extensive upgrade program, resulting in the aircraft re-designated as F-5T Tigris. They are armed with Python III and IV missiles; and equipped with the Dash helmet-mounted cueing system.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2017-08-10/thailands-latest-f-5-upgrade-features-israeli-kit|title=Thailand's Latest F-5 Upgrade Features Israeli Kit|first=Chen|last=Chuanren|website=Aviation International News}}</ref>

Similar programs have been carried out in Chile and Brazil with the help of [[Elbit]]. The Chilean upgrade, called the F-5 Tiger III Plus, incorporated a new Elta [[EL/M-2032]] radar and other improvements. The Brazilian program, re-designated as F-5M, adds a new [[Grifo radar|Grifo-F]] radar along with several avionics and cockpit refurbishments, including the Dash helmet. The F-5M has been equipped with new weapon systems such as the [[Beyond Visual Range missile|Beyond Visual Range]] [[Derby (missile)#Derby|Derby]] missile, [[Python IV#Python-4|Python IV]] short-range air-to-air missile, [[SMKB]] "smart" bombs,<ref>"Bombas Guiada SMKB." ''Revista Asas''(Portuguese), Volume 61'', June 2011, p. 29. {{ISSN|1413-1218}}.''</ref> and several other weapons.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/denels-a-darter-makes-test-debut-323063/ "Denel's A-Darter makes test debut"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521111653/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/denels-a-darter-makes-test-debut-323063/ |date=21 May 2013}} ''Flight Global'', 26 February 2009. Retrieved: 28 January 2012.</ref><ref>[http://www.alide.com.br/noticias/fab39/index.htm "FAB comemora dia da Aviação de Caça!" (in Portuguese).] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080919144151/http://www.alide.com.br/noticias/fab39/index.htm |date=19 September 2008}} ''alide.com.br.'' Retrieved: 28 January 2012.</ref><ref>[http://www.aereo.jor.br/2010/11/04/f-5em-com-missil-python-iv/ "F-5EM com míssil Python IV" (in Portuguese).] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111225095509/http://www.aereo.jor.br/2010/11/04/f-5em-com-missil-python-iv/ |date=25 December 2011}} ''Poder Aéreo'', 4 November 2010. Retrieved: 28 January 2012.</ref><ref>[http://www.aereo.jor.br/2008/08/24/as-garras-afiadas-do-f-5em/ "As garras afiadas do F-5EM" (in Porguguse).] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120216215335/http://www.aereo.jor.br/2008/08/24/as-garras-afiadas-do-f-5em/ |date=16 February 2012}} ''Poder Aéreo'', 24 August 2008. Retrieved: 28 January 2012.</ref>

==Operational history==

===United States===
[[File:F-5B 602TFS BienHoa 1966.jpg|thumb|left|An F-5B of 602d TFS at Bien Hoa, 1966]]

The F-5 entered service with the USAF's 4441st Combat Crew Training Squadron at [[Williams Air Force Base]], which had the role of training pilots and ground crew for customer nations, including Norway, on 30 April 1964. At that point, it was still not intended that the aircraft be used in significant numbers by the USAF itself.<ref name="WAPJ 25 p53">{{harvnb|Lake|Hewson|1996|p=53}}</ref>

USAF doctrine with regard to the F-5 changed following operational testing and limited deployment in 1965. Preliminary combat evaluation of the F-5A began at the [[Air Proving Ground Center]], [[Eglin Air Force Base]], Florida, in mid-1965 under the code name Project ''Sparrow Hawk''. One airframe was lost in the course of the project, through pilot error, on 24 June.<ref>Plunkett, W. Howard. "When the Thunderbirds Flew the Thunderchief." ''Air Power History,'' Air Force Historical Foundation, Clinton, Maryland, Fall 2009, Volume 56, Number 3, pp. 24–25.</ref>

In October 1965, the USAF began a five-month combat evaluation of the F-5A titled ''Skoshi Tiger''. A total of 12 aircraft were delivered for trials to the 4503rd Tactical Fighter Squadron, and after modification with probe and drogue [[aerial refueling]] equipment, armor and improved instruments, were redesignated ''F-5C''.<ref name="WoF 5 p4-6">{{harvnb|Thompson|1996|pp=4–6}}.</ref> Over the next six months, they flew in combat in the [[Vietnam War]], flying more than 2,600 sorties, both from the [[3rd Tactical Fighter Wing]] at [[Bien Hoa Air Base]] over South Vietnam and from [[Da Nang Air Base]], where operations were flown over [[Laos]]. One aircraft was lost in combat, killing the pilot, USAF Major Joe Baggett. 

Operations were declared a success, with the F-5 generally rated as being as capable a ground-attacker as the F-100, albeit having a shorter range.<ref name="WoF 5 p16">{{harvnb|Thompson|1996|p=16}}.</ref> However, the program was more a political gesture that was intended to aid the export of F-5s than a serious consideration of the type for US service.<ref name="WoF 5 p4-6"/>{{Disputed inline|Skoshi Tiger|date=March 2025}} (Following ''Skoshi Tiger'' the [[Philippine Air Force]] acquired 23 F-5A and B models in 1965. These aircraft, along with remanufactured [[Vought F-8 Crusader]]s, eventually replaced the Philippine Air Force's F-86 Sabres in the air defense and ground attack roles.){{cn|date=March 2025}}

From April 1966, the USAF aircraft continued operations under the auspices of the [[10th Fighter Squadron, Commando]], with their number boosted to 17 aircraft.{{cn|date=March 2025}} 7300 more sorties were flown by the 10th FSC. Combining the missions flown by the 4503rd TFS and the 10th FSC; nine aircraft were lost in Vietnam, seven to enemy ground fire and two to operational causes.<ref>Hobson p. 43, 64, 70, 71, 73, 75, 83, 90, 268</ref><ref name="WoF 5 p12,14">{{harvnb|Thompson|1996|pp=12, 14}}.</ref> 

[[File:Northrop F-5F (Tail No. 00889) 061006-F-1234S-083.jpg|thumb|USAF F-5F with [[AIM-9 Sidewinder|AIM-9J Sidewinder]], [[AGM-65 Maverick]] missiles and auxiliary fuel tanks over [[Edwards Air Force Base]], 1976.]]
In June 1967, the surviving aircraft of the 10th Fighter Squadron, Commando, were transferred to the [[Republic of Vietnam Air Force]] (RVNAF). In view of the performance, agility and size of the F-5, it might have appeared to be a good match against the similar MiG-21 in air combat; however, US doctrine was to use heavy, faster and longer-range aircraft like the [[Republic F-105 Thunderchief]] and McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II over North Vietnam.{{cn|date=March 2025}}

The F-5 was also adopted as an opposing forces (OPFOR) "aggressor" for dissimilar training role because of its small size and performance similarities to the Soviet MiG-21. In realistic trials at Nellis AFB in 1977, called [[ACEVAL/AIMVAL]], the F-14 reportedly scored slightly better than a 2:1 kill ratio against the simpler F-5, while the F-15 scored slightly less.<ref>{{harvnb|Gervasi|1981|p=123}}.</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Auten|2008|p=390}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Gilcrist|1994|p=95}}.</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Lake|1998|p=85}}.</ref> There is some contradiction of these reports, another source reports that "For the first three weeks of the test, the F-14s and F-15s were hopelessly outclassed and demoralized"; after adapting to qualities of the F-5 carrying the new all aspect AIM-9L missile and implementing rule changes to artificially favor long range radar-guided missiles, "the F-14s did slightly better than breaking even with the F-5s in non-1 v 1 engagements; the F-15s got almost 2:1".<ref>Sprey 1972, p. 140.</ref> A 2012 [[Discovery Channel]] documentary ''Great Planes'' reported that in USAF exercises, F-5 aggressor aircraft were competitive enough with more modern and expensive fighters to only be at small disadvantage in Within Visual Range (WVR) combat.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMBXJFHUrPo "Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304015646/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMBXJFHUrPo |date=4 March 2014}} ''Great Planes episode, Discovery Channel'', May 2012.</ref>

[[File:170125-M-PL134-005.jpg|thumb|USMC F-5N Tiger IIs from [[VMFT-401]] on standby at the [[Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort]]]]
The F-5E served with the US Air Force from 1975 until 1990, in the [[64th Aggressor Squadron]] and [[65th Aggressor Squadron]] at [[Nellis Air Force Base]] in [[Nevada]], and with the 527th Aggressor Squadron at RAF Alconbury in the UK and the [[26th Space Aggressor Squadron|26th Aggressor Squadron]] at [[Clark Air Force Base]] in the Philippines. The US Marines purchased used F-5s from the Air Force in 1989 to replace their [[IAI Kfir|F-21s]], which served with [[VMFT-401]] at [[Marine Corps Air Station Yuma]]. The US Navy used the F-5E extensively at the [[Naval Fighter Weapons School]] (TOPGUN) when it was located at [[NAS Miramar]], California. When TOPGUN relocated to become part of the [[Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center]] at [[NAS Fallon]], Nevada, the command divested itself of the F-5, choosing to rely on VC-13 (redesignated [[VFC-13]] and which already used F-5s) to employ their F-5s as adversary aircraft. Former adversary squadrons such as [[VF-43]] at [[NAS Oceana]], [[VF-45 (1963-96)|VF-45]] at [[NAS Key West]], [[VF-126]] at NAS Miramar, and [[VFA-127]] at [[NAS Lemoore]] have also operated the F-5 along with other aircraft types in support of Dissimilar Air Combat Training (DACT).{{cn|date=March 2025}}

The US Navy F-5 fleet continues to be modernized with 36 low-hour F-5E/Fs purchased from Switzerland in 2006. These were updated as F-5N/Fs with modernized avionics and other improved systems. Currently, the only US Navy and US Marine Corps units flying the F-5 are VFC-13 at NAS Fallon, Nevada, [[VFC-111]] at NAS Key West, Florida and VMFT-401 at MCAS Yuma, Arizona.<ref name="USN F-5N">[http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1100&tid=1050&ct=1 "F-5N/F Adversary aircraft fact file."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080307205706/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1100&tid=1050&ct=1 |date=7 March 2008}} ''U.S. Navy''. Retrieved: 15 May 2010.</ref> Currently, VFC-111 operates 18 Northrop F-5N/F Tiger IIs.  17 of these are single-seater F-5Ns and the last is a twin-seater F-5F "FrankenTiger", the product of grafting the older front-half fuselage of an F-5F into the back-half fuselage of a newer low-hours F-5E acquired from the Swiss Air Force. A total of three "FrankenTigers" were made.<ref name="AFM283">Ted, Carlson. "One-Eleven Heaven" ''[[AirForces Monthly]]'' ([[Key Publishing]]), Issue 283, October 2011, p. 48. {{ISSN|0955-7091}}. Retrieved: 10 October 2011.</ref>

According to the [[FAA]], there are 18 privately owned F-5s in the US, including Canadair CF-5Ds.<ref>[http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/AcftRef_Results.aspx?Mfrtxt=NORTHROP&Modeltxt=F-5&PageNo=1 "FAA Registry: Northrop F-5."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120818125228/http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/AcftRef_Results.aspx?Mfrtxt=NORTHROP&Modeltxt=F-5&PageNo=1 |date=18 August 2012}} ''FAA''. Retrieved: 17 May 2011.</ref><ref>[http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/AcftRef_Results.aspx?Mfrtxt=CANADAIR&Modeltxt=F-5&PageNo=1 "FAA Registry: Canadair F-5."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120818125247/http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/AcftRef_Results.aspx?Mfrtxt=CANADAIR&Modeltxt=F-5&PageNo=1 |date=18 August 2012}} ''FAA''. Retrieved: 17 May 2011.</ref>

===Brazil===
[[File:Brazilian Air Force F-5M (cropped).jpg|thumb|A [[Brazilian Air Force]] F-5M]]
[[File:Northrop F-5 (Forca Aerea Brasileira) Segurança Rio 2016 (3).jpg|thumb|Brazilian F-5 in 2016]]

In October 1974, the [[Brazilian Air Force]] (''FAB'') ordered 36 F-5E and 6 F-5B aircraft from [[Northrop Corporation|Northrop]] for $72 million. The first three aircraft arrived on 12 March 1975.<ref>{{Citation |trans-title= The Brazilian air force's first F-5s |url= http://www.aereo.jor.br/2009/07/01/os-primeiros-f-5-da-fab/ |title= Os primeiros F-5 da FAB |language= pt |newspaper= Poder Aéreo |date= 1 July 2011 |access-date= 26 January 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120726031256/http://www.aereo.jor.br/2009/07/01/os-primeiros-f-5-da-fab/ |archive-date= 26 July 2012 |url-status= dead}}.</ref> In 1988, FAB acquired 22 F-5E and four F-5F second-hand USAF "aggressor" fighters. A total of 15 of these aircraft were part of the initial batch of 30 aircraft produced by Northrop.<ref>{{Citation |last= Poggio |first= Guilherme |trans-title= 39 years of the first F-5 flight… and it continues active! |url= http://www.aereo.jor.br/2011/08/11/39-anos-do-primeiro-voo-do-f-5e-e-ele-ainda-voa/ |title= 39 anos do voo do primeiro F-5E… e ele continua na ativa! |language= pt |newspaper= Poder Aéreo |date= 11 August 2011 |access-date= 28 December 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110912185904/http://www.aereo.jor.br/2011/08/11/39-anos-do-primeiro-voo-do-f-5e-e-ele-ainda-voa/ |archive-date= 12 September 2011 |url-status= dead}}.</ref> In 1990, FAB retired all remaining five F-5Bs; later, they were sent to Brazilian museums around the country.<ref>{{Citation |trans-title= PAMA-SP 2011: an F-5B dressed as a 'Mike' |url= http://www.aereo.jor.br/2011/11/07/pama-sp-2011-um-f-5b-com-roupa-de-mike/ |title= PAMA-SP 2011: um F-5B com roupa de 'Mike' |language= pt |newspaper= Poder Aéreo |date= 7 November 2011 |access-date= 27 December 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121104024925/http://www.aereo.jor.br/2011/11/07/pama-sp-2011-um-f-5b-com-roupa-de-mike/ |archive-date= 4 November 2012 |url-status= dead}}.</ref>

In 2001, [[Elbit Systems]] and [[Embraer]] started work on a $230 million Brazilian F-5 modernization program, performed over an eight-year period, upgrading 46 F-5E/F aircraft, re-designated as F-5EM and F-5FM. The modernization centered on several areas: new electronic warfare systems, the Grifo F radar, an air-to-air refueling system, INS/GPS-based navigation, support for new weapons, targeting and self-defense systems, [[HOTAS]], LCD displays, [[helmet-mounted display]]s (HMDs), [[Radar Warning Receiver]], encrypted communications, cockpit compatibility for night vision goggles, On-Board Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS) and various new onboard computer upgrades. One important capability is the secure communication with [[Embraer R-99|R-99]] [[Airborne early warning and control|airborne early warning platforms]] and ground stations.<ref name="Deagel_F5">[http://www.deagel.com/Strike-and-Fighter-Aircraft/F-5A-Freedom-Fighter_a000718001.aspx "F-5A Freedom Fighter"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209135913/http://www.deagel.com/Strike-and-Fighter-Aircraft/F-5A-Freedom-Fighter_a000718001.aspx |date=9 February 2012}}. ''Deagel''. Retrieved: 28 December 2011.</ref>

Externally, the new aircraft features a larger nose cone that accommodates the larger radar equipment. The first F-5EM was handed over on 21 September 2005.<ref>[http://www.wikinvest.com/stock/Elbit_Systems_(ESLT)/F-5_Brazil "F-5 Brazil."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204020249/http://www.wikinvest.com/stock/Elbit_Systems_(ESLT)/F-5_Brazil |date=4 February 2014}} ''wikinvest'', 28 May 2008. Retrieved: 29 December 2011.</ref> On 7 July 2003, four Rafael [[Litening]] III targeting pods were ordered at a cost of US$13 million,<ref>[http://www.alide.com.br/noticias/fab03/index.htm "FAB compra Pod Litening III" (in Portuguese).] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120506012219/http://www.alide.com.br/noticias/fab03/index.htm |date=6 May 2012}} ''Alide''. Retrieved: 26 January 2012.</ref> to be used on F-5M together with three Rafael Sky Shield jamming pods ordered on 5 July 2006 at a cost of US$42 million.<ref>[http://pt.scribd.com/doc/19718232/douskyshield "Diario Oficial da União" (in Portuguese).] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521140847/http://pt.scribd.com/doc/19718232/douskyshield |date=21 May 2013}} ''scribd.com''. Retrieved: 26 January 2012.</ref>

In 2009, FAB bought eight single-seat and three twin-seat F-5F used aircraft from Jordan in a US$21 million deal. These aircraft were built between 1975 and 1980.<ref>[http://www.aereo.jor.br/2009/10/29/os-f-5-da-jordania-agora-na-fab/ "Os F-5 da Jordânia, agora na FAB" (in Portuguese).] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523023746/http://www.aereo.jor.br/2009/10/29/os-f-5-da-jordania-agora-na-fab/ |date=23 May 2012}} ''Poder Aéreo'', 29 October 2009. Retrieved: 28 December 2011.</ref> On 14 April 2011, a contract of $153 million was signed with Embraer and Elbit to modernize the additional F-5s bought from Jordan, and to supply one more flight simulator as a continuation of the contract signed in 2000. These F-5s will receive the same configuration as those from the initial 46 F-5s currently completing the upgrade process. The first delivery of this second batch of upgraded jet fighters is scheduled for 2013 with expected use to 2030.<ref>[http://www.agenciat1.com.br/8648-aeronautica-reforma-11-cacas-por-r-276-mi/ "Aeronáutica reforma 11 caças por R$ 276 mi" (in Portuguese).] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111024102402/http://www.agenciat1.com.br/8648-aeronautica-reforma-11-cacas-por-r-276-mi/ |date=24 October 2011}} ''Agencia T1'', 18 April 2011. Retrieved: 29 December 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.deagel.com/news/Brazilian-Air-Force-Orders-11-Modernized-F-5EF-Aircraft-from-Embraer_n000008654.aspx "Embraer Defense and Security to modernize 11 additional F-5 jet fighters for the Brazilian Air Force."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130405005525/http://www.deagel.com/news/Brazilian-Air-Force-Orders-11-Modernized-F-5EF-Aircraft-from-Embraer_n000008654.aspx |date=5 April 2013}} ''Deagel'', 14 April 2011. Retrieved: 29 December 2011.</ref>

In 2020, the FAB started implementing the new proprietary Datalink System of the Brazilian Armed Forces on the F-5EM, for integrated communication and real-time sharing battlefield/warfare data with AEW&C R-99/E-99 FAB/Embraer aircraft, other aircraft, ships, helicopters, tanks and front/back-ends battlefield control centers, called Link-BR2.<ref>{{cite web|last=FAB|first=Força Aérea Brasileira|title=FAB inicia atividades preparatórias para Campanha de Ensaio em Voo do Projeto Link-BR2|url=https://www.fab.mil.br/noticias/mostra/36650/TECNOLOGIA%20-%20FAB%20inicia%20atividades%20preparatórias%20para%20Campanha%20de%20Ensaio%20em%20Voo%20do%20Projeto%20Link-BR2|access-date=8 December 2020|website=FAB Oficial}}</ref>

===Ethiopia===
[[Ethiopia]] received 10 F-5As and two F-5Bs from the US starting in 1966. In addition to these, Ethiopia had a training squadron equipped with at least eight Lockheed T-33 Shooting Stars. In 1970, Iran transferred at least three F-5As and Bs to Ethiopia. In 1975, another agreement was reached with the US to deliver a number of military aircraft, including 14 F-5Es and three F-5Fs; later in the same year eight F-5Es were transferred while the others were embargoed and delivered to a USAF aggressor Squadron due to the changed political situation. The US also withdrew its personnel and cut diplomatic relations. Ethiopian officers contracted a number of Israelis to maintain American equipment.<ref name="Cooper"/>

The Ethiopian F-5 fighters saw combat action against Somali forces during the [[Ogaden War]] (1977–1978). The main Somali fighter aircraft was the MiG-21MF delivered in the 1970s, supported by [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17]]s delivered in the 1960s by the [[Soviet Union]]. Ethiopian F-5E aircraft were used to gain air superiority because they could use the [[AIM-9]]B air-to-air missile, while the F-5As were kept for [[air interdiction]] and [[airstrike]]. During this period Ethiopian F-5Es went on training against Ethiopian F-5As and F-86 Sabres (simulating Somali MiG-21s and MiG-17s).<ref name="Cooper"/>

On 17 July 1977, two F-5s were on combat air patrol near Harer, when four Somali MiG-21MFs were detected nearby. In the engagement, two MiG-21s were shot down while the other two had a midair collision while avoiding an AIM-9B missile. The better-trained F-5 pilots swiftly gained air superiority over the [[Somali Air Force]], shooting down a number of aircraft, while other Somali aircraft were lost to air defense and to incidents. Records indicate that Ethiopian F-5s of the 9th Fighter Squadron "shot down 13 MiGs-17 and 12 MiGs-21 from 20th July until 1st September 1977. All aircraft were hit by Sidewinders (AIM-9)."<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=http://aces.safarikovi.org/victories/ethiopia-1977-1978.html|title=Ogaden War (Ethiopian-Somalia Conflict) 1977-1978|website=aces.safarikovi.org}}</ref> However at least three F-5s were shot down by air defense forces during attacks against supply bases in western Somalia.<ref name="Cooper">Cooper, Tom. [http://www.acig.info/CMS/?option=com_content&task=view&id=137&Itemid=47 "Ethiopia and Eritrea, 1950–1991."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311161204/http://www.acig.info/CMS/?option=com_content&task=view&id=137&Itemid=47 |date=11 March 2012}} ''acig.org, '' 10 February 2008. Retrieved: 1 July 2011.</ref>

Ethiopian pilots who had flown both the F-5E and the MiG-21 considered the F-5E to be the superior fighter because of its manoeuvrability at low to medium speeds and the fact that it was far easier to fly, allowing the pilot to focus on combat rather than controlling his airplane.<ref name="Wings">Cooper, Tom., "Wings over Ogaden, 2015, ch. 3</ref> This effect was enhanced by the poor quality of pilot training provided by the Soviets, which provided limited flight time and focused exclusively on taking off and landing, with no practical training in air combat.<ref name="Wings"/><ref name="EEW">Cooper, Tom & Fontanellaz, Adrian, "Ethiopian-Eritrean Wars Volume 1, 2018, ch. 4</ref>

Ethiopia's ace pilot and national hero was [[Legesse Tefera]] who is credited with shooting down 6 (or 7) Somali MiGs, thus making him the most successful F-5 pilot.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://medium.com/war-is-boring/which-is-better-the-f-5e-tiger-ii-or-the-mig-21-e92e5c5a1ef3 |title= Which is Better, the F-5E Tiger II or the MiG-21? by Tom Cooper |date= 8 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://borkena.com/2016/10/05/ethiopia-hero-air-force-general-passes-away/ |title= Ethiopia : Hero Air Force General Passes Away |date= 5 October 2016}}</ref><ref name="auto1"/>

===Greece===
[[File:NF-5A 3061 at Kariotisa (near Edessa) commemorates an F-4 pilot from the village who was killed in a flying accident..jpg|thumb|Retired Greek NF-5A on display near Edessa, Greece]]

The Hellenic Air Force was the first European air force to receive the Freedom Fighter. The first F-5As were delivered in 1965, and over the next 8 years a total of about 70 F-5A/Bs were operational. The Hellenic Air Force bought an additional 10 F-5A/Bs from Iran in 1975, and around the same period another batch of 10 F-5A/Bs were acquired from Jordan. Another 10 were acquired from Norway in 1986, and a final 10 NF-5As were purchased from the Netherlands in 1991. The total number of F-5s in operation (including the ex-Iranian machines, 34 RF-5As, and 20 F-5Bs) in the Hellenic Air Force was about 120 aircraft, from 1965 to 2002, when the last F-5 was decommissioned and the type went out of operation in the Hellenic Air Force.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.haf.gr/el/mission/weapons/historic/1951_1973/f-5.asp |title=Northrop F-5A/B και NF-5A/Β Freedom Fighter |publisher=[[Greek Air Force|Πολεμική Αεροπορία]] |language=Greek |access-date=12 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015053658/http://www.haf.gr/el/mission/weapons/historic/1951_1973/f-5.asp |archive-date=15 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Units that used the F-5 in Greek service:{{citation needed|date=October 2023}}
* [[337th Day Interceptor Squadron]] (1967–1978)
* [[341st Day Interceptor Squadron]] (1965–1993)
* [[343rd Day Interceptor Squadron]] (1966–2001)
* [[349th Day Interceptor Squadron]] (1970–1997)

===Iran===
[[File:IIAF F-5A 3-417.jpg|thumb|F-5A Freedom Fighters of the Imperial Iranian Air Force]]
[[File:IRIAF Northrop F-5E Tiger II Talebzadeh.jpg|thumb|An F-5E of the [[Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force]]]]

The [[History of the Iranian Air Force|Imperial Iranian Air Force]] (IIAF) received extensive US equipment in the 1960s and 1970s. Iran received its first 11 F-5As and two F-5Bs in February 1965 which were then declared operational in June 1965. Ultimately, Iran received 104 F-5As and 23 F-5Bs by 1972. From January 1974 with the first squadron of 28 F-5Fs, Iran received a total of 166 F-5E/Fs and 15 additional RF-5As with deliveries ending in 1976. While receiving the F-5E and F, Iran began to sell its F-5A and B inventory to other countries, including Ethiopia, Turkey, Greece and South Vietnam; by 1976, many had been sold, except for several F-5Bs retained for training purposes.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Isayev, Jafarov|first1=S., T.|title=Iran now capable of overhauling and modifying F-5 Freedom fighter jet|url=http://en.trend.az/iran/1995755.html|publisher=Trend News Agency|date=23 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204135613/http://en.trend.az/iran/1995755.html|archive-date=4 February 2016|url-status=dead|access-date=29 January 2016}}</ref> F-5s were also used by the IIAF's aerobatic display team, the [[Golden Crown]].

After the Iranian revolution in 1979, the new [[Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force]] (IRIAF) was partially successful at keeping Western fighters in service during the [[Iran–Iraq War]] in the 1980s and the simple F-5 had a good service readiness until late in the war. Initially, Iran took spare parts from foreign sources; later it was able to have its new aircraft industry keep the aircraft flying.<ref>[http://www.iiaf.net/aircraft/jetfighters/F5/f5.html "The first air force to receive F-5E was the Imperial Iranian Air Force."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924033341/http://www.iiaf.net/aircraft/jetfighters/F5/f5.html |date=24 September 2015}} iiaf.net. Retrieved: 6 June 2010.</ref>

IRIAF F-5s were heavily involved, flying air-to-air and air-to-ground sorties. Iranian F-5s took part in air combat with Iraqi MiG-21s, [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23|MiG-23s]], [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25|MiG-25s]], [[Sukhoi Su-17|Su-20/22s]], [[Mirage F1]]s and [[Super Etendard]]s. The exact combat record is not known with many differing claims from Iraqi, Iranian, Western, and Russian sources.{{citation needed|date=May 2018}} There are reports that an IRIAF F-5E, piloted by Major [[Yadollah Javadpour]], shot down a MiG-25 on 6 August 1983.<ref>[http://www.iiaf.net/iiafmisc/announcements/announcements.html IRIAF] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201002512/http://iiaf.net/iiafmisc/announcements/announcements.html |date=1 February 2009}}. ''iiaf.net''. Retrieved: 6 June 2010.</ref><ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20100323174626/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_211.shtml "Arabian Peninsula & Persian Gulf Database: Iranian Air-to-Air Victories, 1982."]}} acig.org, 16 September 2003. Retrieved: 15 May 2010.</ref> Russian sources state that the first confirmed kill of a MiG-25 occurred in 1985.<ref>Jakubovich, Nickolai (2012). "Neizvestnii MiG. Gordost sovetskogo aviaproma"/Razvedchiki/bombardirovshiki. Eksmo. (Russian:"Неизвестный «МиГ». Гордость советского авиапрома"/Разведчии/бомбардировщики, Николай Якубович, 2012)</ref>

During their first years of service, Iranian F-5s had the advantage in missile technology, using advanced versions of the [[infrared homing]] [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]], later lost with deliveries of new missiles and fighters to Iraq.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Cordesman |first1=Anthony H. |last2=Wagner |first2=Anthony H. Cordesman and Abraham |date=1990-05-01 |title=The Lessons of Modern War - Volume II - The Iran-Iraq War – Chapter 2: The Conditions That Shaped The Iran - Iraq War |url=https://www.csis.org/analysis/lessons-modern-war-volume-ii-iran-iraq-war-chapter-2-conditions-shaped-iran-iraq-war |language=en}}</ref>

As of {{when?|date=June 2025}} [[Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company]] produces three aircraft, the [[HESA Azarakhsh|Azarakhsh]], [[Saeqeh]], and [[HESA Kowsar|Kowsar]], derived from the F-5.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/why-irans-fighter-jet-ripoff-just-fake-news-19487 |title=Why Iran's Fighter-Jet Ripoff Is Just Fake News |date=18 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522113434/http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/why-irans-fighter-jet-ripoff-just-fake-news-19487 |archive-date=22 May 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 22 June 2025, [[Israel]] said that it destroyed two Iranian F-5 aircraft at [[Dezful Airport]] in a airstrike.<ref>{{cite news |last1=page |first1=Emanuel Fabian You will receive email alerts from this author Manage alert preferences on your profile page You will no longer receive email alerts from this author Manage alert preferences on your profile |title=IDF says it destroyed 2 Iranian fighter jets, 8 ballistic missile launchers, among dozens of targets |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-says-it-destroyed-2-iranian-fighter-jets-8-ballistic-missile-launchers-among-dozens-of-targets/ |access-date=22 June 2025 |work=[[The Times of Israel]] |issn=0040-7909}}</ref>

===Kenya===
[[File:F-5 Tiger Kenya.jpg|thumb|[[Kenya Air Force]] F-5E Tiger II and a USAF [[C-5 Galaxy]] in the background]]
In June 1976, Kenya ordered 10 new F-5E and two F-5F aircraft from the U.S. for $70 million.<ref>Weinraub, Bernard. [https://www.nytimes.com/1976/06/17/archives/us-to-sell-kenya-12-f5s-in-70-million-arms-deal.html "U.S. to Sell Kenya 12 F‐5's In $70 Million Arms Deal."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027002949/https://www.nytimes.com/1976/06/17/archives/us-to-sell-kenya-12-f5s-in-70-million-arms-deal.html |date=17 June 1976}} ''nytimes.com,'' 17 June 1976. Retrieved: 26 October 2023.</ref>

Starting on 16 October 2011 during [[Operation Linda Nchi]], [[Kenyan Air Force]] F-5s supported the Kenyan forces fighting in Somalia against Al Shabab Islamists bombing targets inside Somalia and spearheading the ground forces.<ref>Axe, David. [http://www.offiziere.ch/?p=6767 "Kenyan Jets Spearhead Somalia Operation."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104143336/http://www.offiziere.ch/?p=6767 |date=4 January 2012}} ''offiziere.ch,'' 1 November 2011. Retrieved: 24 April 2012.</ref>

===Malaysia===
[[File:Malaysia Northrop F5 Tiger II 2322530.jpg|thumb|left|F-5 Tiger II of the Royal Malaysian Air Force]]

In 1975, the [[Royal Malaysian Air Force]] received 14 F-5Es and two F-5Bs. In 1982, four F-5Fs were received and the two F-5Bs already in Malaysian service were transferred to the Royal Thai Air Force. In 1983, RMAF received two RF-5E Tigereye. Subsequently, two F-5Es (M29-21 & M29-22) and a F-5F (M29-23) which came with the new "shark nose" and with leading edge root extensions (LERX) version were ordered as attrition replacement. The F-5E was the first supersonic fighter in Royal Malaysian Air Force service and it replaced the former [[RAAF]] [[CAC Sabre]] as the Royal Malaysian Air Force's primary air defense fighter throughout the 1980s and early '90s. It also served in secondary ground attack role alongside the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk. Five F-5Es and one F-5F were lost in the accident with three fatalities (2 pilots in E (1983 & 1995) and 1 in F (1986), all crashed into the sea). In 2000, all the RMAF F-5s were deactivated, but they were reactivated in 2003 as the Tactical Air Reconnaissance Squadron and Reserve. Several upgrade packages were proposed to extend the service life of the aircraft, but none were taken. In 2015, the F-5s were pulled out of service, but some were kept in storage.{{citation needed|date=October 2016}}

===Mexico===
[[File:F5 FAM popocatepetl.jpg|thumb|Mexican Air Force F-5 Tiger flying near the [[Popocatepetl]] volcano]]

In 1982, the [[Mexican Air Force]] received 10 F-5Es and two F-5Fs after the purchase of 24 IAI Kfir C.1 was blocked by the US, because the Kfir used the American-produced J79 engine. These fighters complemented the Lockheed T-33 and [[de Havilland Vampire]] Mk. I (received much earlier), two of the first combat jet aircraft in Mexico. The F-5 gave Mexico its first supersonic warplane, and it saw the formation of Air Squadron 401. On 16 September 1995, after more than 30 military parade flights without incidents, an F-5E collided in midair with three Lockheed T-33s during the military parade for the Independence of Mexico resulting in 10 deaths.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Darling |first=Juanita |date=1995-09-17 |title=4 Planes Crash in Mexico Festivities; 6 Killed |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-09-17-mn-46900-story.html |access-date=2023-03-08 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> As of 2021, the Mexican Air Force has five Northrop F-5E and two F-5F fighters combat ready and for training purposes.<ref>{{cite web |title=México reactiva sus aviones F-5E/F Tigre II HD 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhcn-l2VYCs&ab_channel=MexicoaeroespacialyDefensa |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/lhcn-l2VYCs |archive-date=2021-10-30|website=YouTube | date=11 February 2021 |publisher=Mexicoaeroespacial y Defensa |access-date=12 August 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

===Morocco===
[[File:Moroccan F-5 jet.jpg|thumb|[[Royal Moroccan Air Force]] F-5E Tiger II during an aerial refueling mission in exercise African Lion 2009]]

The [[Royal Moroccan Air Force]] received 22 F-5As, two F-5Bs and two RF-5As from the United States between 1966 and 1974. These entered service with the 1st Fighter Squadron.<ref>{{harvnb|Cooper|Grandolini|2018|pages=40–41}}</ref> Two additional F-5As were donated by Iran in 1974, and six F-5As were acquired from Jordan in 1976.<ref name="SIWS 2 p18">{{harvnb|Cooper|Grandolini|Fontanellaz|2019|page=18}}</ref> Three F-5As were involved in the failed [[1972 Moroccan coup attempt]], attacking King [[Hassan II of Morocco]]'s [[Boeing 727]] in mid-air, before strafing and bombing a military airfield and the royal palace.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Cooper|first1=Tom|title=Morocco, Mauritania & West Sahara since 1972|url=http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=228&Itemid=1|website=ACIG.org|access-date=1 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304090030/http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=228&Itemid=1|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> After the failure of the attempted coup, nearly all F-5 pilots were arrested, and most of them disappeared.<ref>{{harvnb|Cooper|Grandolini|2018|page=43}}</ref> Another consequence of the failed coup was that the designation system of Moroccan air force units changed from numerical designations to names. From then on, the F-5A squadron was known as the Borak squadron.<ref name="SIWS 2 p18"/>

Morocco used its F-5s in the [[Western Sahara War]] in reconnaissance and bombing missions.<ref>{{harvnb|Cooper|Grandolini|Fontanellaz|2019|pages=26,32}}</ref> Several aircraft were shot down by [[9K32 Strela-2]] [[MANPADS]], machine-gun fire, and [[9K31 Strela-1]] (SA-9) and [[2K12 Kub]] (SA-6) self-propelled anti-aircraft systems.<ref name="moroccan losses">{{harvnb|Cooper|Grandolini|Fontanellaz|2019|pages=74–75}}</ref> To counter the SA-6 threat, AN/ALR-66 [[radar warning receiver]]s were installed on the RF-5As and F-5Bs around 1981. These aircraft were grouped into a newly established dedicated reconnaissance unit, the Erige squadron; one of its main tasks was to track the [[Polisario Front]]'s surface-to-air missile systems.<ref>{{harvnb|Cooper|Grandolini|Fontanellaz|2019|pages=60–61, 68}}</ref>

In the same period, Morocco started receiving 16 F-5Es and four F-5Fs, that had been ordered in 1979 thanks to Saudi financing. Deliveries lasted from 1981 to 1983.<ref>{{harvnb|Cooper|Grandolini|Fontanellaz|2019|page=44}}</ref> Shortly after their arrival, the F-5Es were fitted with the same radar warning receivers as the RF-5As and F-5Bs;<ref>{{harvnb|Cooper|Grandolini|Fontanellaz|2019|page=45}}</ref> they also received in-flight refuelling probes.<ref>{{harvnb|Cooper|Grandolini|Fontanellaz|2019|page=61}}</ref> Lastly, Moroccan F-5Es could be equipped with electronic and infrared countermeasures pods, that enhanced their survivability against Polisario surface-to-air missiles.<ref>{{harvnb|Cooper|Grandolini|Fontanellaz|2019|page=VII}}</ref> F-5E/Fs were operated by the Borak and Erige squadrons, where they served together with older F-5 versions, as well as the Chahine squadron.<ref>{{harvnb|Cooper|Grandolini|Fontanellaz|2019|page=62}}</ref> During the war in Western Sahara, Moroccan F-5s deployed general-purpose and cluster bombs, unguided rockets, and more rarely [[AGM-65 Maverick]] missiles.<ref>{{harvnb|Cooper|Grandolini|Fontanellaz|2019|pages=55,VII}}</ref> In total, 15 F-5s are confirmed to have been lost in the course of the Western Sahara War.<ref name="moroccan losses"/>

Starting in 1990, Morocco received 12 more F-5Es from the United States, a total of 24 F-5Es having been upgraded to the F-5TIII standard.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}

===Netherlands===
[[File:De met grijs-grijze camouflagepatronen beschilderde NF-5B Trainer met registratienummer K-4014 van 313 Squadron (2157 015703).jpg|thumb|left|RNLAF NF-5B twin-seater]]

In the mid-1960s, the [[Royal Netherlands Air Force]] (RNLAF) recognized its fleet of [[Republic F-84F Thunderstreak|F-84F]] fighter-bombers and [[Lockheed T-33|T-33]] trainers was in need of replacement.<ref name="75jaar">{{Cite book |last=de Jong |first=A.P. |title=Vlucht door de tijd - 75 jaar Nederlandse Luchtmacht |publisher=Unieboek b.v. |edition=3rd |publication-date=June 1988 |pages=229, 230, 238 |language=Dutch |trans-title=Flight through time - 75 years Netherlands Air Force}}</ref> A deal was made with [[Canadair]] to produce modified versions of their license-built [[Canadair CF-5|CF-5A]] single-seater and CF-5D twin-seater, which were given the designation NF-5A and NF-5B respectively. The NF-5 differed from the CF-5 mainly in having [[Flap (aeronautics)#Maneuvering flaps|maneuvering flaps]], a radar altimeter and a [[Moving map display|roller map display]]. Later modifications included the addition of chaff/flare dispensers and a radar warning system.<ref name="75jaar" />

The first NF-5A was handed over in October 1969 at [[Enschede Airport Twente|Twente Air Base]] for 313 Squadron acting as Operational Conversion Unit. The last aircraft was handed over in March 1972. The NF-5As flew under the Dutch registrations K-3001 / K-3075 and the NF-5Bs under K-4002 / K-4030. They were operational at Twenthe AB (OCU, 313 and 315 Squadrons), [[Eindhoven Airport|Eindhoven AB]] (314 Squadron) and [[Gilze-Rijen Air Base|Gilze-Rijen AB]] (316 Squadron). In total, the RNLAF would receive 75 NF-5As and 30 NF-5Bs.<ref name="75jaar" />

During the RNLAF transition to the F-16, the NF-5s and Bs were stored at Gilze-Rijen and [[Woensdrecht Air Base|Woensdrecht]] air bases. 60 aircraft were sold to [[Turkey]], 11 to [[Greece]] and 7 to [[Venezuela]]. Some aircraft have been written off during their operational life due to crashes and some remaining aircraft are displayed in museums or used in technical schools. The NF-5As and Bs were operational from 1971 to 1991.{{Citation needed|date=June 2019}}

===Norway===
[[File:F-5A Norway (19345654110).jpg|thumb|Norwegian Air Force F-5A]]

The Royal Norwegian Air Force received 108 Freedom Fighters: 16 RF-5A, 78 F-5A and 14 F-5B.  The first 64 were received as military aid. They were used by six squadrons,<ref name="the-northrop-f-5-enthusiast-page.info">{{Cite web |url=http://www.the-northrop-f-5-enthusiast-page.info/AirForces/NorwayAF.html |title= Luftvorsvaret - Air Force |website=The Northrop F-5 Enthusiast Page |access-date=11 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181011214907/http://www.the-northrop-f-5-enthusiast-page.info/AirForces/NorwayAF.html |archive-date=11 October 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> the first and last being 336 Squadron receiving the first aircraft in February 1966 (formal handing-over ceremony a month later), and deactivating in August 2000. Three aircraft were kept flying until 2007, serving with [[Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace]] for tests in the "Eye of the Tiger" program, supporting development of the Norwegian [[Penguin (missile)|Penguin]] anti-ship missile.<ref name="the-northrop-f-5-enthusiast-page.info"/> The aircraft received under military aid were handed off to Greece and Turkey. Of the aircraft bought by the Norwegian government, nine were used in exchange with US authorities for submarines of the {{sclass|Kobben|submarine|4}}.<ref>Hafsten, Bjørn. "Northrop F-5 i norsk tjeneste" (Northrop F-5 in Norwegian Service) (In Norwegian). ''Warbirds of Norway Newsletter'', 2009.</ref>

In October 2011 five F-5A single seaters were given to [[Aircraft maintenance technician|aircraft maintenance schools]] around the country; including the Skedsmo, Sola, Bodø, and Bardufoss high schools, and the Royal Norwegian Air Force's training center at [[Kristiansand Airport, Kjevik]]. The aircraft were disassembled at [[Moss Airport, Rygge]], before delivery to the schools. Of the ten remaining Norwegian F-5s, eight F-5B two-seaters were still for sale as of 2011, six of which were stored in Norway and two in the United States. The two aircraft in the United States had been approved for sale to the American businessman [[Ross Perot Jr.]], in 2008, but the deal was blocked by the US government initially.<ref>{{cite news |last=Dalløkken |first=Per Erlien |date=25 October 2011 |title=F-5 blir gitt bort |url=https://www.tu.no/artikler/f-5-blir-gitt-bort/238219 |work=[[Teknisk Ukeblad]] |access-date=2 May 2017 |language=no}}</ref> However, in 2015, Perot Jr. got permission and subsequently bought the aircraft for significantly below market price, which caused controversy and public criticism of the government of Norway.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Egeberg|first=Tore Bergsaker, Kristoffer|date=2017-05-02|title=Slakter salg av jagerfly til Texas-milliardær|url=https://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/slakter-salg-av-jagerfly-til-texas-milliardaer/67534111|access-date=2020-12-09|website=dagbladet.no|language=no}}</ref> Three survivors are exhibited at the [[Norwegian Armed Forces Aircraft Collection]], two at [[Bodø Airport#Norsk Luftfartsmuseum – Norwegian Aviation Museum|Norsk Luftfartsmuseum]] in [[Bodø]] and one at [[Flyhistorisk Museum, Sola]], near [[Stavanger]].

===Philippines===
[[File:F-5E Philippine AF at Clark AB 1982.JPEG|thumb|Philippine Air Force F-5A at [[Clark Air Base]], c. 1982]]

The Philippine Air Force acquired 37 F-5A and F-5B from 1965 to 1998.<ref>"PAF to retire F-5 fleet". ''Philippine Star'', 29 September 2005. Retrieved: 8 April 2009.</ref> The F-5A/Bs were used by the 6th Tactical Fighter Squadron (Cobras) of the 5th Fighter Wing and the [[Blue Diamonds (aerobatic team)|Blue Diamonds aerobatic team]], replacing the F-86F Sabre previously used by 1965 and 1968 respectively. The F-5s also underwent an upgrade which equipped it with surplus AN/APQ-153 radars with significant overhaul at the end of the 1970s to stretch their service lives another 15 years.

In 2005, the Philippines decommissioned its remaining F-5A/B fleet, including those received from Taiwan and South Korea.<ref name="PAF_to_buy_6">Evangelista, Kate. [http://globalnation.inquirer.net/5162/philippine-air-force-to-buy-6-fighter-jets "Philippine Air Force to buy 6 fighter jets."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902054815/http://globalnation.inquirer.net/5162/philippine-air-force-to-buy-6-fighter-jets |date=2 September 2011}} ''Globalnation'' via ''inquirer.net,'' 1 July 2011. Retrieved: 11 October 2011.</ref>

===Singapore===
[[File:RSAF F-5S Cope Tiger.jpg|thumb|A Republic of Singapore Air Force F-5S Tiger II taking off from [[Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base|Korat Air Base]]]]

Singapore is an important operator of the F-5E/F variant, first ordering the aircraft in 1976 during a massive expansion of the city-state's armed forces; delivery of this first batch of 18 F-5Es and three F-5Fs was completed by late February 1979, equipping the newly formed-up [[144 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force|No. 144 ''Black Kite'' Squadron]] at [[Tengah Air Base]]. At the end of 1979, an order was placed for six more F-5Es, which were delivered by 1981. In 1982, an order for three more F-5Fs was placed, these were forward delivered in September 1983 to [[RAF Leuchars]] in Scotland where they were taken over by pilots of the [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]] (RSAF).<ref name="AFM275"/> In 1983, the type took over the duties of [[Interceptor aircraft|airborne interception]] from the [[Royal Australian Air Force]]'s [[Dassault Mirage III|Mirage IIIO]]s detachment (rotated between [[No. 3 Squadron RAAF|No. 3]] & [[No. 75 Squadron RAAF]]) stationed at ''Tengah''.<ref>Wilson 2002, p. 180.</ref>

Another order for six more F-5Es was placed in 1985, these were delivered the same year and would go on to equip the newly formed-up [[149 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force|No. 149 ''Shikra'' Squadron]] at ''Tengah''. The following year, the RSAF placed an order for its final batch of three F-5Fs and five F-5Es, these were delivered in December 1987 and July 1989, respectively. In a bid to modernize its air force, the Royal Jordanian Air Force put up seven F-5Es for sale in 1994, these were later acquired by Singapore.<ref name="AFM275"/>

From 1990 to 1991, using jigs and toolings purchased from Northrop, Singapore Aircraft Industries (SAI, now [[ST Aerospace]]) converted eight existing F-5Es into RF-5E Tigereye variant. Subsequently, these were used to reequip [[141 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force|No. 141 ''Merlin'' Squadron]], which had traded in their older [[Hawker Hunter]] FR.74S for the newer Tigereyes in 1992 and was by then based at [[Paya Lebar Air Base]], after the 144 Squadron had relocated there in 1986. By June 1993, all three squadrons had been relocated to the base, thus consolidating Singapore's F-5E/F operations at ''Paya Lebar''.<ref name="AFM275"/>

In 1991, SAI was awarded a contract as the prime contractor to modernize all RSAF F-5E/Fs (including the 7 ex-Jordanian F-5Es); Elbit Systems was the sub-contractor responsible for systems integration. Upgrades include a new [[X band]] multi-mode radar (the Italian ''FIAR Grifo-F'',<ref name="FSRSAF"/><ref name="FGBRF5"/> with [[Beyond-visual-range missile]] and [[Look-down/shoot-down]] capabilities), a revamped cockpit with new MIL-STD-1553R databuses, [[General Electric Company|GEC]]/[[Ferranti]] 4510 [[Head-up display]]/weapons delivery system, two [[BAE Systems]] MED-2067 [[Multi-function display]]s, [[Litton Industries|Litton]] LN-93 INS (similar to the [[ST Aerospace A-4SU Super Skyhawk]]) and Hands On Throttle-And-Stick controls (HOTAS) to reduce pilot workload. Reportedly, the Elisra SPS2000 radar warning receiver and countermeasure system was also installed.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/1996/03/13/17672/singapore-f-5-upgrade-to-go-ahead.html "Singapore F-5 upgrade to go ahead."] ''FlightGlobal.com,'' 13 March 1996. Retrieved: 28 June 2011.</ref>

In addition, the starboard M39 20&nbsp;mm cannon mounted in the nose was removed to make way for additional avionics (the sole cannon on the two-seaters was removed because of this), and to improve maneuverability, upgraded aircraft received larger [[Leading edge extension#Leading edge root extensions|leading edge root extensions]] (LERX). The process began in March 1996 and was completed by 2001, receiving the new designation of ''F-5S/T''. In 1998, the eight RF-5Es also received the upgrades (except for the radar) and were redesignated as ''RF-5S''.<ref name="AFM275"/> Each F-5S/T upgraded reportedly cost [[Singapore dollar|SGD$6 million]].<ref>Boey, David. "Meet Bitching Betty – She sits in a plane, one of 40 F-5S aircraft which have been upgraded at about $6 million a plane."''[[The Straits Times]]'' ([[Singapore Press Holdings]]), 4 April 1999, p. 23. Retrieved: 22 March 2012.</ref>

By end of 2009, the type had accumulated more than 170,000 hours of flight time in Singapore service with only two F-5Es being lost in separate accidents (in 1984 and 1991, respectively).<ref name="AFM275"/> 144 Squadron, the last squadron operating F-5Es, disbanded in September 2015 after the F-5S was retired.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Northrop F-5T Tiger II 853 1:72 Scale|url=https://www.headway-aviation.shop/product-page/northrop-f-5t-tiger-ii-853-1-72-scale|access-date=2021-08-22|website=Headway Aviation|language=en|archive-date=22 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822003235/https://www.headway-aviation.shop/product-page/northrop-f-5t-tiger-ii-853-1-72-scale|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== South Korea ===
The [[Republic of Korea Air Force]] (ROKAF) purchased F-5A/Bs in 1965, and it purchased F-5Es in August 1974. KF-5 variants were built by Korean Air under license between 1982 and 1986.{{citation needed|date=July 2022}}

The F-5E/Fs and KF-5E/Fs were to be replaced by [[KAI T-50 Golden Eagle|FA-50]]s<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-11-16 |title=ROKAF at a crossroads |url=https://www.keymilitary.com/article/rokaf-crossroads |access-date=2025-06-05 |website=www.keymilitary.com |language=en}}</ref> and after 2001, by the plans to eventually field the Korean [[F-X fighter program#F-X Phase 3|F-X Phase 3]].<ref name="nars2015">{{cite web |date=2015-09-10 |title=한국형 전투기 개발 계획： KF-X 사업(보라매사업)-pdf |trans-title=Korean fighter development plan:KF-X project (Boramae project) |url=http://www.nars.go.kr/fileDownload2.do?doc_id=1K_SBBWWOAq&fileName=(%ED%98%84%EC%95%88%EB%B3%B4%EA%B3%A0%EC%84%9C%20263%ED%98%B8-20150910)%ED%95%9C%EA%B5%AD%ED%98%95%20%EC%A0%84%ED%88%AC%EA%B8%B0%20%EA%B0%9C%EB%B0%9C%20%EA%B3%84%ED%9A%8D%EF%BC%9A%20KF-X%20%EC%82%AC%EC%97%85(%EB%B3%B4%EB%9D%BC%EB%A7%A4%EC%82%AC%EC%97%85).pdf |access-date=2017-12-21 |publisher=국회입법조사처 |language=ko}}</ref>{{rp|18}}

=== Spain ===
[[File:AE.9-005 23-25 F-5M Freedom Fighter Ala 23 Spanish Air Force Dijon AB 2008.jpg|thumb|Spanish Air Force F-5M Freedom Fighters, 2008]]

On 11 January 1965, Spain announced the choice of the F-5 to replace their T-33 and F-86 aircraft. During the evaluation phase, an F-5B crashed near [[Torrejón Air Base]], killing both occupants, a Northrop pilot and a pilot from the [[Spanish Air and Space Force|Ejército del Aire]]. The contract included 70 units, 8 of which being manufactured by Northrop, 2 disassembled and assembled in Spain, and the remaining 6 in the form of components and structures ready construction. The remaining 62 would be built under license by [[CASA (aircraft manufacturer)|CASA]] in the factory at [[Getafe]]. The first of this Spanish built batch would take off on 22 May 1968 from the [[Getafe Air Base]] flown by a Northrop test pilot. The first delivery to the Ejército del Aire was on 19 June 1969, being 2 F-5B for the [[202 Escuadrón]], based at [[Morón de la Frontera]]. The first delivery consisted of all F-5Bs, with the single-seat F-5A and RF-5A aircraft delivered at a later date. The last of the 70 airframes was received on 11 April 1972.

The F-5B was assigned to the [[Ala 73]] at [[Badajoz Airport|Talavera la Real Air Base]], dedicated to training. In addition to the aforementioned Escuadrón 202, the [[Escuadrón 204]] received RF-5A airframes. This unit would later become the [[Ala 21]] in 1971.

With the increasing tension with Morocco during the later phase of the [[Francoist Spain|Francoist government]], the Spanish CASA/Northrop F-5A saw action during the [[Spanish Sahara|conflict in the Spanish Sahara]], being deployed at the [[Gando Air Base]], flying upwards of 500 combat missions. This deployment became permanent from 1974 onwards, being formalized in 1976. Two F-5B and all F-5A with even registration were ascribed to [[Ala 46]] in the [[Escuadrón 464]] at the Gando Air Base, until their replacement in 1982 by the newly acquired [[Dassault Mirage F1|Dassault-Breguet F1EE]], with the F-5s being sent back to Morón de la Frontera.

In 1989, an F-5B crashed due to a structural failure of a wing. The entire F-5 fleet was grounded while crews conducted searches for signs of material fatigue, and as a result of this, many F-5s were retired. The remaining single-seaters (F-5A and RF-5A) were transferred in 1995 to the [[Ala 23]] in Talavera la Real, together with some of the retired airframes, which were used for spare parts. 

As a result of the 1990 accident, all twin-seat aircraft were sent to the CASA Getafe Factory to be maintained and renovated. A new modernisation program began in 2008 to extend their operational life until 2025, and also add glass cockpits and zero-zero [[ejection seat]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Calvo |first=Luis |date=2018-06-06 |title=CASA Northrop F-5B |url=https://fly-news.es/especial-75o-aniversario-aga/casa-northrop-f-5b/ |access-date=2024-03-10 |website=Fly News |language=es}}</ref>

As of the early 2020s, Spain has a fleet of about 20 F-5s that are planned to operate until at least 2028, as no replacement has yet been found. It is estimated that, with proper maintenance, these aircraft have several years of service left.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-02 |title=Spain will operate the Northrop F5 light fighters until 2028 |url=https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2023/03/02/spain-will-operate-the-northrop-f-5-light-fighters-until-2028/ |access-date=2024-04-06 |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Switzerland===
[[File:F-5F mit Ericson Vista5.JPG|thumb|Swiss F-5F with Ericson Vista 5 radar jammer]]

The [[Swiss Air Force]] flies a total of 22 F-5E and 4 F-5F aircraft, down from a peak of 98 and 12 in 1981.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.lw.admin.ch/internet/luftwaffe/en/home/dokumentation/assets/aircraft/tig5e.html |title=Northrop F-5E Tiger II |publisher=Swiss Air Force |date=April 2015 |access-date=9 June 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728194823/http://www.lw.admin.ch/internet/luftwaffe/en/home/dokumentation/assets/aircraft/tig5e.html |archive-date=28 July 2016 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> They were chosen chiefly because of their excellent performance, suitability for the unique Swiss Air Force mission, and their relatively low maintenance cost per flight hour.

It had been expected these aircraft would be replaced by the [[Saab JAS 39 Gripen]], but in May 2014, a referendum by the Swiss people decided against the purchase of the Gripens.<ref>de Larrinaga, Nicholas. [http://www.janes.com/article/38038/swiss-voters-reject-gripen-purchase "Swiss voters reject Gripen purchase."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727140106/http://www.janes.com/article/38038/swiss-voters-reject-gripen-purchase |date=27 July 2014}} ''IHS Jane's Defence Weekly'', 18 May 2014. Retrieved: 22 July 2014.</ref>

For the foreseeable future, the Swiss Air Force will continue to fly its present F-5s. There are still plans by the Swiss Air Force and in the Swiss parliament to fly 18 F-5E and four F-5F models. This would also include the continued operation of the [[Patrouille Suisse]], in F-5Es until 2018.<ref>[http://www.parlament.ch/d/suche/seiten/resultate.aspx?collection=all&query=F-5E "Northrop F-5E."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141128033513/http://www.parlament.ch/d/suche/seiten/resultate.aspx?collection=all&query=F-5E |date=28 November 2014}} ''Swiss Government''. Retrieved: 23 December 2014.</ref>

In September 2020 the Swiss people voted yes in a referendum to get a replacement. With 50.1% to 49.9% and only 8670 votes between.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.srf.ch/news/abstimmung-27-september-2020/kampfjetbeschaffung/kampfjetbeschaffung-stimmvolk-sagt-hauchduenn-ja-zu-neuen-kampfjets |title=Stimmvolk sagt hauchdünn Ja zu neuen Kampfjets |publisher=SRF |date=September 2020 |access-date=3 March 2022}}</ref>

The Swiss Air Force has decided to replace the aircraft with 36 [[F-35A]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.news.admin.ch/de/nsb?id=84275 |title=Air2030: Bundesrat beschliesst Beschaffung von 36 Kampfflugzeugen des Typs F-35A |publisher=Swiss Air Force |date=June 2021 |access-date=3 March 2022}}</ref>

In March 2024, The [[Armasuisse|Swiss Federal Office for Armaments]] started delivery of 22 decommissioned F-5E/F Tiger II fighter jets to the United States. The first aircraft was picked up by the [[United States Marine Corps]] on 18 March from [[Emmen Air Base|Emmen Air Force Station]] aboard a [[Lockheed Martin KC-130|Lockheed KC-130J]] transport aircraft. The sale, finalized in 2020, encompasses 16 single-seat F-5E and 6 twin-seat F-5F variants, along with associated ground equipment, spare parts, and logistical support for in-country storage and preparation for transport to the U.S. The total value of the sale is estimated at $32.4 million.<ref>[https://www.ar.admin.ch/de/nsb?id=100444 Erster ausser Dienst gestellter F-5 Tiger den amerikanischen Streitkräften übergeben]</ref>

===Taiwan===
[[File:ROCAF F-5E 5272 Display at Chih Hang Air Force Base Apron 20130601a.jpg|thumb|The 46th Tactical Fighter Squadron (Aggressor squadron) F-5E 5272 of [[Republic of China Air Force]] exhibited on the apron of [[Chihhang Air Base]].]]

The [[Republic of China Air Force]] (ROCAF, Taiwan's air force) received its first batch of seven F-5As and two F-5Bs under the US Military Assistance Program in 1965. By 1971, the ROCAF was operating 72 F-5As and 11 F-5Bs.<ref>[http://taiwanairpower.org/blog/?p=290 "ROCAF F-5A/B Program in CINCPAC History Series (Part 1)."] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008221815/http://taiwanairpower.org/blog/?p=290 |date=8 October 2011}} ''taiwanairpower.org'', 21 February 2009. Retrieved: 14 September 2009.</ref> During 1972, the US borrowed 48 ROCAF F-5As to lend to the Republic of Vietnam Air Force before the withdrawal of US forces from Vietnam. By 1973, most of those loaned F-5As were not in flying condition, thus the US opted to return 20 F-5As to Taiwan by drawing nine F-5As from US reserves while repairing 11 from South Vietnam. An additional 28 new F-5Es were issued to Taiwan by May 1975.<ref>[http://taiwanairpower.org/blog/?p=74 "F-5A/B Freedom Fighter (Part 1)."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728082253/http://taiwanairpower.org/blog/?p=74 |date=28 July 2011}} ''taiwanairpower.org'', 16 July 2006. Retrieved: 14 September 2009.</ref> By 1973, Taiwan's AIDC started local production of a first batch of 100 F-5Es, the first of six Peace Tiger production batches. By end of 1986 when the production line closed after completing Peace Tiger 6, the AIDC had produced 242 F-5Es and 66 F-5Fs. Taiwan was the largest operator of the type at one time, having 336 F-5E/Fs in inventory.<ref>[http://www.taiwanairpower.org/af/f5.html "Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091121120004/http://www.taiwanairpower.org/af/f5.html |date=21 November 2009}} ''taiwanairpower.org'', 13 April 2008. Retrieved: 14 September 2009.</ref> The last batch of AIDC F-5E/Fs featured the F-20's shark nose.<ref name=Johnsen_p35>{{harvnb|Johnsen|2006|p=35}}</ref>

With the introduction of 150 F-16s, 60 Mirage 2000-5s and 130 F-CK-1s in the mid-to-late-1990s, the F-5E/F series became second line fighters in ROCAF service and mostly are now withdrawn from service as squadrons converted to new fighters entering ROCAF service. Seven low airframe hours F-5Es were sent to ST Aerospace to convert them to RF-5E Tigergazer standard to fulfill a reconnaissance role previously undertaken by the retiring [[Lockheed F-104 Starfighter|Lockheed RF-104G]] in ROCAF service.<ref>[http://www.taiwanairpower.org/af/rf5e.html "RF-5E Tigergazer."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927084257/http://www.taiwanairpower.org/af/rf5e.html |date=27 September 2011}} ''taiwanairpower'', 12 June 2004. Retrieved: 14 September 2009.</ref> As of 2009, only about 40 ROCAF F-5E/Fs still remain in service in training roles with about 90–100 F-5E/Fs held in reserve. The other retired F-5E/F are either scrapped, or used as decoys painted in colors representing the main front line F-16, Mirage 2000-5 or F-CK-1 fighters, and deployed around major air bases.<ref>[http://taiwanairpower.org/blog/?p=78 " F-5E – a la Mirage."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728081313/http://taiwanairpower.org/blog/?p=78 |date=28 July 2011}} ''taiwanairpower.org'', 8 August 2006. Retrieved: 14 September 2009.</ref>

[[File:TIGER 2000.jpg|thumb|AIDC F-5E TIGER 2000]]

Taiwan also tried to upgrade the F-5E/F fleet with AIDC's Tiger 2000/2001 program. The first flight took place on 24 July 2002. The program would replace the F-5E/F's radar with F-CK-1's GD-53 radar and allow the fighter to carry a single TC-2 BVRAAM on the centerline. But lack of interest from the ROCAF eventually killed the program. The only prototype is on display in AIDC in Central Taiwan.<ref>Hsu, Brian. [http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2002/07/30/158279 "Unwanted fighter jet takes to the air in first test flight."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080829182831/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2002/07/30/158279 |date=29 August 2008}} ''taipeitimes.com'' The Taipei Times, 30 July 2002. Retrieved: 14 September 2009.</ref><ref>Jeziorski, Andrzej. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/1999/12/08/59451/aidc-pins-hopes-on-f-5-upgrade.html "AIDC pins hopes on F-5 upgrade."] ''flightglobal.com'', 12 August 1999. Retrieved: 14 September 2009.</ref>

On 22 March 2021, two Taiwanese pilots flying F-5E's crashed into each other during a training mission resulting in the third crash within six months. Two pilots died after the crash.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Taiwan loses two fighter jets in apparent collision|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/22/taiwan-loses-two-fighter-jets-in-apparent-collision|access-date=2021-03-22|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en}}</ref>

All F-5Es were retired in November 2023, with the remaining F-5Fs and RF-5E Tigergazers retired in July 2025.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2025/07/05/2003839785 |title=Air force's F-5 jets retired after 50 years service |website=TaipeiTimes.com |date=3 July 2025 |access-date=3 July 2025}}</ref>

===Turkey===
[[File:Turkish Air Force Northrop F5.jpg|thumb|A F-5/2000]]
The Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter has held an important place in the [[Turkish Air Force]] (Türk Hava Kuvvetleri - THK) since its introduction in the mid-1960s. Initially delivered through the United States' Military Assistance Program (MAP), the F-5A/B models served as light fighter-bombers and advanced jet trainers. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Turkey expanded its F-5 fleet with the acquisition of NF-5A/B aircraft from the Royal Netherlands Air Force. These variants featured upgraded avionics and structural improvements compared to the original F-5 models. Many of these NF-5s became iconic through their use by [[Türk Yıldızları]] (Turkish Stars), the Air Force's elite aerobatic team.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://strasam.org/savunma/havacilik-ve-uzay-sanayii/turk-yildizlarinin-ucagi-f-5-yuksek-satis-basarisini-yakalamisken-yerine-gelistirilen-f-20-tigersharklar-neden-hic-satis-yapamadi-2539|title=Türk Yıldızlarının Uçağı F-5 Yüksek Satış Başarısını Yakalamışken, Yerine Geliştirilen F-20 Tigershark'lar Neden Hiç Satış Yapamadı? &#124; Stratejik Araştırmalar Merkezi - STRASAM.ORG ®|website=strasam.org}}</ref>

To maintain the F-5's operational relevance and extend the aircraft's service life, Turkey launched the F-5/2000 modernization program in the late 1990s by [[Israeli Military Industries]]. This program aimed to upgrade 48 aircraft, primarily for use as lead-in fighter trainers to support the Turkish Air Force’s F-16 fleet. The modernization involved extensive airframe life extension, improved cockpit ergonomics, and significant avionics upgrades. These included the integration of a modern head-up display (HUD), multifunction displays, a digital mission computer, and an embedded GPS/INS navigation system. Additionally, the aircraft received a new stores management system, enabling compatibility with modern training ordnance and systems. The result was a more capable and reliable platform for pilot training and support roles, bridging the technological gap between older jet trainers and fourth-generation fighters.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.savunmasanayist.com/turkiyenin-f-5a-b-freedom-fighter-seruveni/ | title=Türkiye'nin F-5A/B Freedom Fighter Serüveni &#124; SavunmaSanayiST | date=13 August 2020 }}</ref>

===South Vietnam / Vietnam===
[[File:F-5C VNAF 23TW 522FS BienHoa 1971.jpg|thumb|right|[[Republic of Vietnam Air Force|RVNAF]] F-5C [[Bien Hoa Air Base]], 1971]]
[[File:Vietnamese Air Force Northrop F-5A after landing at U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield, Thailand, 29 April 1975.jpg|thumb|right|RNVAF F-5A after landing at [[U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield]], 29 April 1975]]

In June 1967, the US donated the surviving aircraft of 10th FCS USAF to South Vietnam. The president of South Vietnam had asked the US for F-4 Phantoms, but these were in high demand, while the [[Republic of Vietnam Air Force]] (RVNAF) was flying only ground support missions, operating only [[Douglas A-1 Skyraider]] attackers at that point. In addition, the [[North Vietnam]]ese [[Vietnam People's Air Force]] (VPAF) was not sending aircraft over South Vietnam. Hence the RVNAF did not require an aircraft with advanced air to air capabilities (like the F-4). A dedicated RVNAF unit was formed – the 522nd Fighter Squadron. The RVNAF flew F-5A/B, F-5C (ex Skoshi Tiger aircraft), RF-5A and later F-5E. In 1972, with assistance from the US; the RVNAF received F-5As from Iran and Taiwan to build up their inventory before a cease-fire was signed. 

248 RVNAF aircraft were flown out of South Vietnam to Thailand during the [[Fall of Saigon]] in 1975. At least 25 F-5Es were reclaimed by the US, while one F-5B was transferred to Thailand.<ref name=CINCPAC75>{{cite web|url=https://nautilus.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/c_seventyfive.pdf|title=CINCPAC Command History 1975|publisher=Commander in Chief Pacific|date=7 October 1976|access-date=19 January 2024|pages=467–70}}{{PD-notice}}</ref> North Vietnam captured approximately 877 aircraft, of which 87 were reported as F-5As and 27 were F-5Es.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/vietnam-really-planning-bringing-back-50-year-old-american-20764|title=Is Vietnam Really Planning on Bringing Back 50-Year-Old American Fighter Planes?|first=Michael|last=Peck|website=The National Interest|date=21 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625190303/http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/vietnam-really-planning-bringing-back-50-year-old-american-20764|archive-date=25 June 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

In November 1975, the Vietnamese government gave the Soviet military an opportunity to select captured US equipment for research and intelligence purposes. A complete F-5, along with two complete spare engines, spare parts, and ground support equipment, were loaded onto a Soviet cargo ship.<ref>Toperczer (29) pp. 80, 81.</ref> Several other F-5s were later transferred by Vietnam to the USSR, Poland and Czechoslovakia.<ref name="joebaugher.com"/><ref>[http://www.muzeumlotnictwa.pl/zbiory_sz.php?ido=50&w=a Photo of a Northrop F-5E Tiger II] in [[Kraków]], Poland a gift of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.{{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130329132708/http://muzeumlotnictwa.pl/zbiory_sz.php?ido=50&w=a |date=29 March 2013}} ''muzeumlotnictwa.pl''. Retrieved: 15 May 2010.</ref>

The VPAF reportedly used 41 F-5s operationally. Others were decommissioned and put on display at museums in Vietnam. The 935th Fighter Regiment of the VPAF 372nd Air Division became the only unit in the world to simultaneously fly both the MiG-21 and F-5.{{citation needed|date=September 2022}} The type was used for combat by the VPAF, in ground–attack sorties against the [[Khmer Rouge]].

Gradually, a lack of critical spare parts in Vietnam caused initially by a US embargo and later by termination of manufacturing and dwindling stocks – grounded the remaining F-5s. However, in May 2017 it was reported that the VPAF was considering upgrading particular systems in some retired aircraft, in order to put them back into service.<ref name="auto"/>

===Venezuela===
{{more citations needed section|date=March 2017}}
[[File:Venezuelan Air Force Northrop (Canadair) VF-5A (CL-226) Schleiffert-1.jpg|thumb|Venezuela Air Force Northrop (Canadair) VF-5A (CL-226)]]

After a reorganization of the [[Venezuelan Air Force]] in the late 1960s, the government realized that it was time to replace its obsolete de Havilland Vampires and [[de Havilland Venom|Venoms]] active at that time, as well as the last surviving F-86 Sabres in active duty. In 1971, 54 Canadian-built CF-5As were put in storage, after the RCAF could not take them due to budget cuts. From this batch, Venezuela acquired 16 CF-5As and two CF-5Ds. In 1972, after all the aircraft were delivered, the F-86s, Venoms, and Vampires were finally scrapped.

The F-5 became the first military plane in Venezuela capable of flying at supersonic speeds. After a legal dispute between Canadair and Northrop, two more CF-5Ds were built and delivered to Venezuela in 1974. Their first base of operations was the General Rafael Urdaneta Air Base in [[Maracaibo]]. After 1974, the fleet was relocated to Teniente Vicente Landaeta Gil Air Base in [[Barquisimeto]].

In 1979, after several upgrades to the fleet's communication, navigation and approximation equipment, the aircraft were renamed VF-5s, designating the CF-5As as VF-5As and the CF-5Ds as VF-5Ds. Venezuelan F-5s could also carry weaponry such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile, Mk.82 and M117 bombs, and 70mm rocket launchers.

In 1991, after tensions between Colombia and Venezuela almost led to a conflict, the air force started yet another modernization program for the F-5s, called "Proyecto Grifo" (Project Gryphon). Some aircraft (VF-5D number 5681 and VF-5A number 9124) were sent to Singapore for testing, then brought back for upgrade of the remaining airframes. That same year, a small fleet of four NF-5Bs and a single NF-5A, was acquired from the Netherlands to replace aircraft lost in previous years.

In 1992, [[1992 Venezuelan coup d'état attempts|during the coup d'état attempt against president Carlos Andres Perez]], 3 F-5s were lost to a rebel-operated [[OV-10 Bronco]] bombing Barquisimeto Air Base. The failed coup delayed the modernization program for a year, finally coming together in 1993. The fleet was equipped with inertial laser navigation systems (similar to those in Venezuelan F-16s), IFFs, HUDs, refueling probes and modernized engines with an estimated lifespan of 22 years.

In 2002, small upgrades were made to the remaining F-5s. The fleet was kept operational until 2010, when a batch of [[Hongdu JL-8]]s was delivered as their replacement. By late 2010, it was known that at least one VF-5D was in flight-worthy condition; it is unknown if more aircraft are in operational condition.

Between 1972 and 2002, a total of 9 Venezuelan F-5s were lost.<ref name="fav-club.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.fav-club.com/2015/12/19/el-caza-bombardero-ligero-vf-5-en-la-fuerza-aerea-venezolana/|title=El caza bombardero ligero VF-5 en la Fuerza Aérea Venezolana – FAV-Club|date=19 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517101512/http://www.fav-club.com/2015/12/19/el-caza-bombardero-ligero-vf-5-en-la-fuerza-aerea-venezolana/|archive-date=17 May 2017|url-status=usurped|access-date=25 March 2017}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=December 2022}}

===Yemen===
In March 1979, following [[Yemen Arab Republic|North Yemen]]'s defeat in the [[Yemenite War of 1979]], the [[United States]] gave [[Saudi Arabia]] the permission to transfer four Northrop F-5B trainers to North Yemen. Additionally, Saudi Arabia financed the procurement of twelve F-5E fighters.<ref name="HSOY 1 p40" /> By the end of the year, all 16 aircraft had arrived. This did not leave enough time to properly train local pilots and ground crews to operate them. Hence, the Saudis agreed with Taiwan to deploy a group of 80 Republic of China Air Force pilots and ground personnel to [[Sana'a]]. They formed the 112th Squadron of the [[Yemeni Air Force|Yemen Arab Republic Air Force]] (YARAF), which was also known as the Desert Squadron. Most of the Squadron's members were Taiwanese until 1985, by when enough Yemenis were trained on the F-5 to take over their duties. However, some Taiwanese personnel remained in the country: in 1990, no less than 700 Taiwanese served in Yemen. They were finally withdrawn in 1991, after the [[Yemeni unification]].<ref name="HSOY 1 p41">{{harvnb|Cooper|2017|p=41}}</ref>

North Yemeni F-5Es have seen combat during the [[Yemeni Civil War (1994)|1994 civil war]]. On 6 May, two [[South Yemen]]i [[MiG-21]]s were claimed shot down by Major Nabi Ali Ahmad, using AIM-9 missiles. According to South Yemeni sources, only one MiG-21bis was shot down in an air combat, and its pilot killed. Reportedly, the North Yemenis subsequently deployed their Tiger IIs for air-to-air combat only.<ref>{{harvnb|Cooper|2017|page=47}}</ref> On 15 May, two helicopters (probably [[Mil Mi-8]]s) were shot down, one of them supposedly by Major Nabi Ali Ahmad.<ref>{{harvnb|Cooper|2017|page=48}}</ref> On 28 May, an F-5E was shot down by [[Anti-aircraft warfare|anti-aircraft fire]].<ref>{{harvnb|Cooper|2017|page=49}}</ref> On 20 June, a South Yemeni MiG-21 was shot down over [[Al Anad Air Base]] in an air combat with two F-5Es, and its pilot was killed.<ref>{{harvnb|Cooper|2017|page=51}}</ref> Lastly, on 29 June, an encounter between two YARAF F-5Es and a single South Yemeni [[MiG-29]] was reported. However, neither side opened fire.<ref>{{harvnb|Cooper|2017|pages=52–53}}</ref>

Following the North's victory in the civil war, the F-5 fleet was integrated into the unified Yemeni Air Force. However, the number of F-5s in service declined over the years. In 2003, there were negotiations with Singapore for the overhaul and upgrade of the remaining aircraft. However, nothing came out of it.<ref>{{harvnb|Cooper|2018|page=14}}</ref> Around 2010, only six aircraft were operational, partly thanks to US aid packages.<ref>{{harvnb|Cooper|2018|pages=14,29}}</ref> In the night of 29–30 March 2015, at least one F-5B and one F-5E were destroyed on the ground at [[Sanaa International Airport]] by [[Royal Saudi Air Force]] bombardments, in the first days of the [[Saudi Arabian–led intervention in Yemen|Saudi-led intervention]].<ref>{{harvnb|Cooper|2018|page=43}}</ref>

===Others===
[[File:Saudi Tiger.JPEG|thumb|Royal Saudi Air Force F-5F taking off during the Gulf War.]]

Saudi Arabia deployed F-5Es during the [[Gulf War]], flying close air support and aerial interdiction missions against Iraqi units in [[Kuwait]]. One Royal Saudi Air Force F-5E was lost to ground fire on 13 February 1991, resulting in the death of the pilot.<ref>[http://www.rjlee.org/air/ds-aaloss/ "Coalition Fixed-Wing Combat Aircraft Attrition in Desert Storm."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312002904/http://www.rjlee.org/air/ds-aaloss/ |date=12 March 2012}} ''rjlee.org.'' Retrieved: 24 April 2012.</ref>

[[AeroGroup]], a private commercial company in the US, operates the CF-5B as a fighter lead-in aircraft for training and for other support services. There were 17 aircraft originally purchased from the Canadian Government with [[US State Department]] approval and then imported into the US in 2006.<ref>[http://a4skyhawk.org/9e/aerogrp/aerogrp.htm "TADS (Tactical Air Defense Services, Inc."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223084408/http://a4skyhawk.org/9e/aerogrp/aerogrp.htm |date=23 February 2014}} ''A-4 Skyhawk Association''. Retrieved: 23 December 2014.</ref><ref>Luark, C. [http://www.f-16.net/f-16-news-article2908.html "AeroGroup trains Belgium F-16 Pilots at KB."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221173826/http://www.f-16.net/f-16-news-article2908.html |date=21 February 2014}} ''f-16.net'', 2 June 2008. Retrieved: 23 December 2014.</ref><ref>[http://www.aerogroupinc.com/ "Train Like You Fight...Fight Like You Train."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225063447/http://www.aerogroupinc.com/ |date=25 February 2014}} ''aerogroupinc.com'', 2014. Retrieved: 23 December 2014.</ref>

Since 2013, Tunisian F-5s have been used in strike missions in support of major [[Chaambi Operations|military offensives in the border region of Mount Chaambi]] against [[Ansar al-Sharia (Tunisia)|Ansar al-Sharia]] and [[Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb|al-Qaeda]]-linked militants.<ref>Chennoufi, A. [http://www.tunivisions.net/45214/235/149/tunisie-regions-bombardements-aerien-et-terrestre-des-refuges-de-53-terroristes-a-jebal-chaambi-a-l-aide-d-avions-f-5.html "Tunisia Regions: air and land bombardments shelters 53 terrorists Jebal Châambi using F-5."]{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}} ''tunivisions.net'', 2 August 2013. Retrieved: 23 December 2014.</ref><ref>Abdelmoumen, Khalil. [http://www.webdo.tn/2014/04/24/chaambi-pilonnage-intensif-laide-f5/ "Jebel Chaâmbi: Intensive shelling using F5."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224071530/http://www.webdo.tn/2014/04/24/chaambi-pilonnage-intensif-laide-f5/ |date=24 December 2014}} ''webdo'', 24 April 2014. Retrieved: 23 December 2014.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.webdo.tn/2013/08/12/les-chasseurs-f-5-entrent-en-action-a-jebel-samama/|title=Les chasseurs F-5 entrent en action à Jebel Samama|date=12 August 2013|access-date=5 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130816094903/http://www.webdo.tn/2013/08/12/les-chasseurs-f-5-entrent-en-action-a-jebel-samama/|archive-date=16 August 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In the mid-2010s, Thailand starting modernization of their F-5s, with the F-5ST Super Tiger prototypes that evolved into the F-5TH Super Tigris production model.<ref> {{cite web |url= https://www.key.aero/article/thailands-fourthgeneration-f-5-tigers |title= Thailand's fourth generation F-5 Tigers |date= 28 June 2018 |work= Key.Aero |publisher= Key Publishing }} </ref><ref> {{cite magazine |url= https://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/2024/09/better-than-ever-2/ |title= Better Than Ever |author= J.R. Ng |date= 24 September 2024 |magazine= Asian Military Review }} </ref>

F-5s were used by the Libyan Air Force at [[Wheelus Air Base]] in [[Tripoli, Libya]] from 1968 to 1969.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Historical Documents - Office of the Historian |url=https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1969-76ve05p2/d52 |access-date=2025-10-07 |website=history.state.gov}}</ref>

==Variants==
{{more citations needed|section|date=July 2020}}

===Single-seat versions===
[[File:Three F-5E agressors from Alconbury 1983.jpg|thumb|A trio of USAF [[aggressor squadron]] F-5Es in formation]]
[[File:F5 Brazilian Air Force.jpg|thumb|Brazilian Air Force F-5EM]]

;N-156F
: Single-seat fighter prototype. Only three aircraft were built.
;YF-5A
: The three prototypes were given the US Air Force designation ''YF-5A''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Northrop YF-5A Freedom Fighter |url=https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196074/northrop-yf-5a-freedom-fighter/ |website=National Museum of the U.S. Air Force |publisher=United States Air Force}}</ref>
;F-5A
: Single-seat fighter version of F-5, originally without radar, but was later equipped with [[AN/APQ-153]] radar during upgrades.
;F-5A (G)
: Single-seat fighter version of the F-5A for the [[Royal Norwegian Air Force]].
;XF-5A
: Designation was given to one aircraft used for static tests.
;A.9
: Designation of [[Spanish Air and Space Force]] Northrop F-5As.
;F-5C ''Skoshi Tiger''
: Twelve F-5A Freedom Fighters were tested by the US Air Force for four and a half months in Vietnam. Modified at Palmdale plant by adding removable, non retractable air-refueling probe on the left side, 90 lb of external armor plates under the cockpit and engine, and jettisonable stores pylons.<ref>{{cite web |title=USAF Vietnam Operations |url=https://www.the-northrop-f-5-enthusiast-page.info/AirForces/USAFVietnamOperations.html |website=The Northrop F-5 Enthusiast Page |access-date=18 April 2021 |archive-date=18 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418011603/https://www.the-northrop-f-5-enthusiast-page.info/AirForces/USAFVietnamOperations.html |url-status=dead}}</ref>
;F-5E Tiger II
: Single-seat fighter version with [[AN/APQ-159]], replacing earlier AN/APQ-153.
;F-5E Tiger III
[[File:Chile Air Force Northrop F-5E Tigre III Lofting-1.jpg|thumb|Chilean Air Force F-5E Tiger III]]
: Upgraded version of the F-5E in use by the [[Chilean Air Force]], with [[EL/M-2032]] radar replacing the original AN/APQ-159 and capable of firing advanced versions of the [[Python (missile)|Python]] missile
;F-5E/F
: A single, prototype built for the Swiss Air Force, comprising an F-5E fuselage and tail section, with wings from an F-5F. As of 2011, this aircraft was at the [[Meiringen Air Base]] Museum.
;F-5G
: The temporary designation given to the [[Northrop F-20 Tigershark]], equipped with [[General Electric]] [[AN/APG-67]] radar.
;F-5N
: Ex-Swiss Air Force F-5Es used by the US Navy as an "adversary" aircraft, with [[AN/APG-69]] replacing the original AN/APQ-159. Intended to replace high-time USN/USMC F-5Es in the adversary role, and saw service through 2015.<ref name="USN F-5N" /> '''F-5N+/F-5F+''' - F-5N and F-5F are also modernized with Garmin G3000 for a longer lifespan in the USN.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Soumya |date=2022-07-15 |title=US Navy's F-5N+/F+ ARTEMIS programme reaches Milestone C decision |url=https://www.naval-technology.com/news/us-navys-f5n-artemis-programme/ |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=Naval Technology |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomalla |first=Volker K. |date=2022-09-28 |title=Die US Navy modernisiert ihre F-5 Tiger mit dem Garmin G3000 |url=https://aerobuzz.de/militar-news/die-us-navy-modernisiert-ihre-f-5-tiger-mit-dem-garmin-g3000/ |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=Aerobuzz.de |language=de}}</ref>
;F-5S
: Upgraded version of the F-5E, was in use with the [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]], equipped with the Galileo Avionica's FIAR Grifo-F X-band radar and are capable of firing the [[AIM-120 AMRAAM]].<ref name ="AFM275"/><ref name="FSRSAF" /><ref name="FGBRF5" />
;F-5TH Super Tigris
: Formerly known as the ''F-5T Tigris'' before being officially redesignated. An upgraded version of the F-5E of [[Royal Thai Air Force]] by Israel's [[Elbit Systems]] and Thai's RV Connex, it has a new glass cockpit and [[head-up display]] upgrade and equipped with [[EL/M-2032]] radar, RTAF-developed Link-T/TH tactical [[datalink]], [[Sky Shield]] jamming pod and are capable of firing the [[AIM-9 Sidewinder#AIM-9M (USAF/USN)|AIM-9M]], [[IRIS-T]], [[Python (missile)|Python-4]] and beyond visual range air-to-air [[Derby (missile)|Derby missile]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 February 2023|title=RTAF completes upgrades to F-5 fighter aircraft fleet|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/rtaf-completes-upgrades-to-f-5-fighter-aircraft-fleet|website=Janes}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=13 November 2019|title=อัพเกรดแล้ว "F-5TH" เสือโคตรดุ ทอ.ไทย เทียบชั้นเครื่องขับไล่ยุค 4.5|url=https://www.thairath.co.th/news/politic/1702723|website=Thairath}}</ref>
;F-5EM
: Upgraded version of the F-5E of [[Brazilian Air Force]] equipped with Italian [[Grifo radar#Grifo-F|Grifo-F radar]].
;F-5TIII
: Upgraded version of the F-5E, in service with the Royal Moroccan Air Force.
;F-5E Tiger 2000
: Upgraded version of Taiwan AIDC, equipped with the GD-53 radar, capable of firing the [[Sky Sword II|TC-2 Sky Sword II]], MIL-STD-1553B Link and GPS/INS. This variant did not enter service as the ROCAF decided to acquire additional F-16s instead to completely replace its F-5E/Fs.{{Citation needed|date=March 2020}}
;F-5/2000
: The F-5/2000 modernisation programme for the [[Turkish Air Force]] was to upgrade the [[Canadair CF-5|NF-5A/B]] and F-5A/B jets, to serve as lead-in trainers for the [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16C/D]], by [[Israel Aerospace Industries|Israeli Aerospace Industries]] and [[Turkish Aerospace Industries|Turkish Aerospace]]. The upgrade covers two areas – with a structural upgrade as well as an avionics modernisation such as MIL-STD-553 datalink, HUD, MFD, HOTAS, RWR, GPS+INS and ASELSAN CNI system. Currently used by the [[Turkish Stars]] Team.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.savunmasanayist.com/turkiyenin-f-5a-b-freedom-fighter-seruveni/|title=Türkiye'nin F-5A/B Freedom Fighter Serüveni &#124; SavunmaSanayiST|first=Muhammed|last=Ayyildiz|date=13 August 2020}}</ref>
;B.Kh.18
: ({{langx|th|บ.ข.๑๘}}) [[Royal Thai Air Force]] designation for the F-5A.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Thai Military Aircraft Designations |url=https://designation-systems.net/non-us/thailand.html |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=designation-systems.net}}</ref>
;B.Kh.18B
: ({{langx|th|บ.ข.๑๘ข}}) Royal Thai Air Force designation for the F-5E.<ref name=":2" />
;A.9
:[[Spanish Air Force]] designation for the F-5.  Originally designated '''C.9'''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Spanish Military Aircraft Designations |url=https://www.designation-systems.net/non-us/spain.html |access-date=2025-03-21 |website=www.designation-systems.net}}</ref>

===Reconnaissance versions===
;RF-5A
: Single-seat reconnaissance version of the F-5A fighter. Approximately 120 were built.<ref>{{harvnb|Johnsen|2006|p=81}}</ref>
;RF-5A (G)
: Single-seat reconnaissance version of the F-5A fighter for the [[Royal Norwegian Air Force]].
;RF-5E Tigereye
: Single-seat reconnaissance version of the F-5E fighter. The RF-5E Tigereye was exported to [[Saudi Arabia]] and [[Malaysia]].
;RF-5E Tigergazer
: Seven upgraded single-seat reconnaissance version of the F-5E for Taiwan by [[ST Aerospace]].<ref name="AFM275"/>
;RF-5S Tigereye
: Single-seat reconnaissance version of the F-5S for the [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]].<ref name="AFM275"/>
;AR-9
: Spanish reconnaissance aircraft
;B.TKh.18
: ({{langx|th|บ.ตข.๑๘}}) Royal Thai Air Force designation for the RF-5A.<ref name=":2" />

===Two-seat versions===
[[File:AE.9-00123-23 F-5M Freedom Fighter Ala 23 Spanish Air Force Dijon AB 2008.jpg|thumb|A Spanish F-5M Freedom Fighter at [[Dijon Air Base]] ]]
[[File:Northrop F-5F Tiger II, Bahrain - Air Force AN2253130.jpg|thumb|right|A Bahraini Air Force F-5F on the taxiway at [[RAF Alconbury]]]]

;F-5-21
:Temporary designation for the YF-5B.
;YF-5B
:One F-5B was fitted with a 5,000&nbsp;lbf (2,268&nbsp;kgf) General Electric J85-GE-21 engine, and used as a prototype for the F-5E Tiger II.
;F-5B
:Two-seat trainer version.
;F-5B(G)
:Two-seat trainer version of the F-5B for the Royal Norwegian Air Force.
;F-5BM
:Two-seat trainer version in use by the [[Spanish Air and Space Force]] for air combat training.
;F-5D
:Unbuilt trainer version.
;F-5F Tiger II
:Two-seat trainer version of F-5E Tiger II, AN/APQ-167 radar tested, intended to replace AN/APQ-157, but not carried out.
;F-5F Tiger III
:Upgraded trainer version of the F-5F in use by the Chilean Air Force.
;F-5T
:Upgraded F-5F, was in service with the [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]].<ref name="AFM275"/>
;F-5THF (บ.ข.18 ค){{#tag:ref|The designation '''THF''' is unofficial since the Royal Thai Air Force only designated it in Thai, not in English.{{Citation needed|date=December 2020}}|group="N"}}
:Twin-seat version of F-5TH in service with the [[Royal Thai Air Force]] as of May 2020.
;F-5FM
:Upgraded trainer version of the F-5F for the [[Brazilian Air Force]].
;AE.9
:Spanish designation of the Northrop F-5B.
;B.Kh.18K
: ({{langx|th|บ.ข.๑๘ก}}) Royal Thai Air Force designation for the F-5B.<ref name=":2" />
;B.Kh.18Kh
: ({{langx|th|บ.ข.๑๘ค}}) Royal Thai Air Force designation for the F-5F.<ref name=":2" />

===Foreign variants===
[[File:Northrop (Canadair) CF-116D (CL-219), Canada - Air Force AN1166146.jpg|thumb|A [[Royal Canadian Air Force|Canadian Air Force]] CF-116D]]

====Licensed versions====
;CF-5: Fighter versions for the [[Canadian Forces Air Command]] built under license by [[Canadair]]. Its Canadian designation is ''[[Canadair CF-5|CF-116]]''.
;NF-5A: Single-seat fighter version of the CF-5A for the [[Royal Netherlands Air Force]]; 75 built.
;NF-5B: Two-seat training version of the CF-5D for the Royal Netherlands Air Force; 30 built.

;SF-5A: Single-seat fighter version of the F-5A for the [[Spanish Air and Space Force]]; built under license in Spain by [[Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA|CASA]].
;SRF-5A: Single-seat reconnaissance version of the RF-5A for the Spanish Air and Space Force; built under license in Spain by CASA.
;SF-5B: Two-seat training version of the F-5B for the Spanish Air and Space Force. Built under license by CASA in Spain.

;VF-5A: Single-seat version of the CF-5A for the Venezuelan Air Force. This designation was given to some Canadair CF-116s which were sold to the Venezuelan Air Force.
;VF-5D: Two-seat training version of the CF-5D for the Venezuelan Air Force.

;KF-5E: F-5E built in South Korea for the [[Republic of Korea Air Force]]. First introduction: September 1982; 48 built.
;KF-5F: F-5F built in South Korea for the Republic of Korea Air Force. First introduction: September 1982; 20 built.

;Chung Cheng: F-5E/F built in Taiwan for [[Republic of China Air Force]] by AIDC. First introduction: 30 October 1974, one day before President [[Chiang Kai-shek]]'s 88th birthday, and was thus christened "Chung Cheng", the true name of President Chiang; 308 built.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Ching-tang |date=13 January 2018 |title=守護台海40年 老當益壯的「中正號」F-5戰機 |url=https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20180113002117-260417?chdtv |access-date=17 March 2023 |website=China Times}}</ref>

====Unlicensed versions====
[[File:An IRIAF HESA Azarakhsh in Vahdati Airbase Air Show.JPG|thumb|Iranian Azarakhsh]]

;[[HESA Azarakhsh|Azarakhsh]]: F-5E built or modified in Iran with unknown changes and mid-wing intakes.{{citation needed|date=February 2023}}
;[[HESA Saeqeh|Sa'eqeh]]: F-5E modified in Iran with canted, twin vertical stabilizers.
;[[HESA Kowsar|Kowsar]]: Two-seat F-5F built or modified in Iran.

===Derivatives===

====F-20 Tigershark====
{{main|Northrop F-20 Tigershark}}

In comparison to later fighters, the improved F-5E had some weaknesses; these included marginal acceleration, rearward visibility, and [[fuel fraction]], and a lack of Beyond Visual Range (BVR) weapons once such radar–guided missiles became reliable during the 1980s.<ref name="Sprey, p. 145">Sprey 1982, p. 145.</ref> The F-5G, later renamed the F-20 Tigershark, aimed to correct these weaknesses while maintaining a small size and low cost to produce a competitive fighter. Compared to the F-5E, it had 60% more power, a higher climb rate and acceleration, better cockpit visibility, more modern radar and BVR capability, and competitive performance with fourth generation fighters. Like the F-5, it had better cost–effectiveness as it had the minimum necessary features relative to its competition to perform its air superiority mission. As an example, in the 1960s and early 1970s, the F-5's lack of BVR missiles was not a significant disadvantage as the kill rate of such missiles was approximately 8% to 10%,<ref>Sprey 1982, p. 118.</ref> and the performance and loss of surprise (radar warning to the enemy) cost of carrying them was not practically justified. By the early 1980s, the American [[AIM-7 Sparrow]] radar-guided missile in its "M" version was realistically exceeding a 60% kill rate, and was integrated onto the F-20. Brigadier General [[Chuck Yeager]], test pilot and the first man to break the sound barrier, referred to the F-20 as "the finest fighter".<ref>Yeager and Janos 1985, pp. 248–249.</ref> Despite its performance and affordable cost, the F-20 lost out for foreign sales against the similarly capable but more expensive F-16, which was being procured in large numbers by the US Air Force and was viewed as having greater support.<ref>Hammond 2001, p. 99.</ref>

====Northrop YF-17====
{{main|Northrop YF-17}}

The Northrop YF-17's main design elements date from the F-5 based internal Northrop project N-300. The N-300 featured a longer fuselage, small leading-edge root extensions (LERX), and more powerful GE15-J1A1 turbojets. The wing was moved higher on the fuselage to increase ordnance flexibility. The N-300 further evolved into the P-530 Cobra. The P-530's wing planform and nose section was similar to the F-5, with a trapezoidal shape formed by a sweep of 20° at the quarter-chord line, and an unswept trailing edge, but was over double the area. While the YF-17 lost its bid for the USAF lightweight fighter, it would be developed into the larger [[McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet]].

====Shaped Sonic Boom Demonstration====
{{main|Shaped Sonic Boom Demonstration}}

A single ex-USN F-5E was modified to carry out research into reducing noise from supersonic flight by shaping the shock waves produced by the aircraft.


==Operators==
===Current operators===
;{{BHR}}
*[[Bahrain Air Force]] received eight F-5Es and two F-5Fs in between 1985 and 1987.<ref name="WAPJ 25 p90">{{harvnb|Lake|Hewson|1996|p=90}}</ref> As of 2024 they operate 12 F-5E/Fs for conversion training.{{sfn|Hoyle|2024|p=13}}
[[File:Botswana DF CF-5D OJ 25 (6918328249).jpg|thumb|CF-5 of the Botswana Defence Force]]
;{{BWA}}
*[[Botswana Air Force]] purchased 10 upgraded CF-5As and 3 CF-5Ds from Canada in 1996.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1996/1996%20-%201518.html "Botswana buys CF-5s".] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309020149/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1996/1996%20-%201518.html |date=9 March 2012}} ''[[Flight International]]'', 19–25 June 1996, p. 22.</ref> A further three CF-5A and two CF-5D were purchased in 2000.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scramble.nl/bw.htm |title=Botswana Defence Force |publisher=Scramble.nl |access-date=9 July 2012 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120123635/http://www.scramble.nl/bw.htm |archive-date=20 January 2012}}</ref><ref>Knott and Spearman 2003, p. 76.</ref> 11 CF-5A and 4 CF-5D were in service in 2024.{{sfn|Hoyle|2024|p=14}}
;{{BRA}}
*[[Brazilian Air Force]] purchased 79 F-5s of different variants from 1973.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www2.fab.mil.br/afa/index.php/aeronaves/337-f-5em-northrop-f-5em-fab-4883|website=fab.mil.br |access-date=17 October 2024|title=F-5s FAB|language=pt}}</ref> Operates 35 F-5EM and 4 F-5FM as of 2024,{{sfn|Hoyle|2024|p=14}} with the type being withdrawn gradually between 2022 and 2029,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aereo.jor.br/2023/04/30/o-plano-de-desativacao-dos-cacas-northrop-f-5-da-forca-aerea-brasileira/|website=Poder Aéreo |access-date=17 October 2024|date=30 April 2023|title=O Plano de Desativação dos caças Northrop F-5 da Força Aérea Brasileira|language=pt}}</ref> replaced by the [[Saab JAS 39 Gripen|JAS 39E/F Gripen]].<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/brazilian-air-force-confirms-gripen-acquisition-numbers-406213/ |title= Brazilian air force confirms Gripen acquisition numbers |work= Flight Global |date= 18 November 2014 |access-date= 4 May 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190427201557/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/brazilian-air-force-confirms-gripen-acquisition-numbers-406213/ |archive-date= 27 April 2019 |url-status= live}}</ref>
[[File:F-5E Tiger III Plus.jpg|thumb|Chilean F-5E Tiger III Plus at the National Aeronautical and Space Museum in Chile]]
;{{CHL}}
*[[Chilean Air Force]]: Chile purchased 15 F-5Es and 3 F-5Fs in the 1970s, these being upgraded to Tiger III standard from 1993.<ref name="WAPJ 25 p92-3">{{harvnb|Lake|Hewson|1996|pp=92–93}}</ref><ref name="Chile to increase F-16 fleet.">[http://www.milaviapress.com/news/archive/2008.php#45 "Chile to increase F-16 fleet."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081019024440/http://www.milaviapress.com/news/archive/2008.php#45 |date=19 October 2008}} ''milaviapress.com''. Retrieved: 9 January 2010.</ref> A total of 10 F-5s are in use as of 2009.<ref name="flight 09 p37">''Flight International'' 15–21 December 2009, p. 37.</ref> In March 2013, the [[Uruguayan Air Force]] initiated talks for procuring 12 surplus F-5 Tiger III aircraft from Chile for $80 million.<ref>[http://dmilt.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6112:uruguay-air-force-eying-ex-chilean-f-5-tiger-iii-fighters&catid=35:latin-america&Itemid=58 "Uruguay; Air Force expresses interest in Chilean surplus F-5."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222130520/http://dmilt.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6112:uruguay-air-force-eying-ex-chilean-f-5-tiger-iii-fighters&catid=35:latin-america&Itemid=58 |date=22 February 2014}} ''Dmilt.com'', 24 March 2013.</ref> However, 13 aircraft continue in service with the Chilean Air Force in 2024.{{sfn|Hoyle|2024|p=15}}
[[File:F5e-fah.gif|thumb|A Honduran Air Force F-5E]]
;{{HND}}
*[[Honduran Air Force]]: The United States delivered 10 F-5E and 2 F-5Fs starting in 1987,<ref name="WAPJ 25 p94">{{harvnb|Lake|Hewson|1996|p=94}}</ref> as replacements for Dassault Super Mystére, which were reassigned to airstrike as they were in their last years of service.{{citation needed|date=December 2021}} The F-5 were refurbished former United States Air Force aircraft.<ref name="WAPJ 25 p94"/> Four F-5Es and two F-5Fs remain in service as of 2024.{{sfn|Hoyle|2024|pp=19–20}}
;{{IRN}}
*[[Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force]]: 35 F-5E and 15 F-5F estimated operational as of 2024;{{sfn|Hoyle|2024|p=21}} Iran originally had received a total of 127 F-5A/B by 1972 which soon began to be phased out/sold to other countries. By 1976 Iran had received a total of 181 of the improved F-5E/F/RF-A delivered to the [[History of the Iranian Air Force|Imperial Iranian Air Force]].
*Unknown numbers of [[HESA Saeqeh]] and [[HESA Azarakhsh]] fighters derived from the F-5 design.
;{{KEN}}
*[[Kenya Air Force]]: In July 2008, it was reported that Kenya will spend [[Kenyan shilling|KSh.]]1.5&nbsp;billion to buy 15 former Jordanian Air Force F-5s, 13 F-5E and two F-5F upgraded with Rockwell Collins avionics<ref>[http://www.milaviapress.com/orbat/kenya/index.php "Kenyan military aviation."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227012807/http://www.milaviapress.com/orbat/kenya/index.php |date=27 December 2008}} ''OrBat''. Retrieved: 1 July 2011.</ref> (plus training and spare parts). They will be added or eventually replace the existing F-5 fleet.<ref>[http://articles.janes.com/extracts/extract/cafrsu/kenys120.html "Air force (Kenya), Air force."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110414121029/http://articles.janes.com/extracts/extract/cafrsu/kenys120.html |date=14 April 2011}} ''janes.com''. Retrieved: 1 July 2011.</ref> Seventeen F-5Es and six F-5Fs remain in service as of 2024.{{sfn|Hoyle|2024|p=22}}
;{{MEX}}
*[[Mexican Air Force]] received 12 F-5s in 1982.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Whither the Mexican Air Force Combat Fleet? {{!}} Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses|url=https://idsa.in/idsacomments/whither-the-mexican-air-force-combat-fleet_sbmaharaj_280217|access-date=2021-01-12|website=idsa.in}}</ref>  They operated eight F-5Es and two F-5F until being retired in 2017.<ref>[http://www.milaviapress.com/orbat/mexico/index.php "Mexican military aviation."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220141712/http://www.milaviapress.com/orbat/mexico/index.php |date=20 December 2008}} ''OrBat''. Retrieved: 9 January 2010.</ref> Three Mexican F-5Es and one F-5F were in service as of 2024.{{sfn|Hoyle|2024|p=24}}
;{{MAR}}
*[[Royal Moroccan Air Force]] operates 12 F-5A/Bs upgraded with Tiger II avionics and 24 upgraded F-5 Tiger III.<ref>[http://home.eblcom.ch/f5enthusiast/AirForces/MoroccoAF.html Elbcom "F-5".] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719045618/http://home.eblcom.ch/f5enthusiast/AirForces/MoroccoAF.html |date=19 July 2013}} ''Royal Moroccan Air Force''. Retrieved: 23 December 2014.</ref> 22 F-5Es and 4 F-5Fs remain in service as of 2024.{{sfn|Hoyle|2024|p=24}}
[[File:2011년 1월 공군 F-4E 이륙 및 정비(8) (7499852384).jpg|thumb|A South Korean Air Force KF-5F takes off]]
;{{flag|South Korea}}
*[[Republic of Korea Air Force]]: Received a total of 340 F-5s (88 F-5A, 30 F-5B, 8 RF-5A, 126 F-5E, 20 F-5F, 48 KF-5E, and 20 KF-5F). During the [[Vietnam War]], 36 F-5As and 8 RF-5As were transferred to the [[Republic of Vietnam Air Force]] in exchange of [[McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II|F-4 Phantom II]] from the [[United States Air Force]]. 5 RF-5As were brought back to Korea before the war ended. The last Freedom Fighter retired in 2005, and 8 F-5As were donated to the [[Philippine Air Force]]. The ROKAF plans to replace the US made F-5E/Fs with 60 new [[KAI T-50 Golden Eagle|FA-50]] aircraft and [[KAI KF-X]].{{citation needed|reason=Entire paragraph needs citing.|date=January 2016}} 138 F-5Es and 29 F-5Fs remain in service as of 2024.{{sfn|Hoyle|2024|p=29}}
;{{ESP}}
*[[Spanish Air and Space Force]] operates 19 F-5BM as trainers for fighter school. Initially, 70 fighters version A and B were delivered.<ref>{{cite web
 |url        = http://www.isdefe.es/webisdefe.nsf/web/tecnolog%C3%ADa+de+la+defensa.+an%C3%A1lisis+de+la+situaci%C3%B3n+espa%C3%B1ola/$file/tecdef.pdf
 |title      = Tecnología de la Defensa
 |access-date= 29 January 2009
 |author     = Carlos Martí Sempere
 |date       = 2006
 |publisher  = Instituto Universitario "General Gutiérrez Mellado" (UNED)
 |language   = es}}{{Dead link|date=December 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> 19 F-5Ms remained in use in 2024.{{sfn|Hoyle|2024|p=30}}
;{{flaglist|Switzerland}}
*[[Swiss Air Force]]: Operating 42 F-5E and 12 F-5F Tiger II.<ref name=afmonthly>de Ridder, Dirk Jan. ''Alpine Tigers face extinction'', ''[[AirForces Monthly]]'' magazine, February 2011 issue, pp. 76–81.</ref> 110 F-5E/F12 were delivered, including 90 whose final assembly was done in Switzerland. After numerous tests, as part of the 1975 armament program, the federal parliament approved the purchase of 72 F-5 Tiger IIs in 1976, including 66 of the F-5E type (single-seater) and 6 of the F-5F type (two-seater) for the protection of airspace (formerly called air protection) for 1.17 billion Swiss francs.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.vtg.admin.ch/en/einsatzmittel/luft/f5e-tiger.html |title=Northrop F-5E Tiger II |access-date=25 April 2020 |archive-date=10 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810001157/https://www.vtg.admin.ch/en/einsatzmittel/luft/f5e-tiger.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The F-5 was chosen because it was easier to maintain than the F-16.<ref name="mcphee19831107">McPhee, John. [http://archives.newyorker.com/?i=1983-11-07#folio=054 "La Place de la Concorde Suisse-II."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109094217/http://archives.newyorker.com/?i=1983-11-07#folio=054 |date=9 November 2013}} ''The New Yorker'', 7 November 1983, p. 55. Retrieved: 22 July 2013.</ref> A second tranche of 38 Tigers, including six two-seaters (F-5F), were ordered as part of the 1981 armament program for 770 million Swiss francs. The last aircraft in this series rolled off the assembly line at F+W Emmen in 1984.<ref>'''SWISS TIGERS''' by Emiel Snoot</ref>
[[File:F-5E Royal Thai AF at Korat 2000.JPEG|thumb|A Royal Thai Air Force Northrop F-5E Tiger II]]
;{{THA}}
*[[Royal Thai Air Force]]: 30 F-5A/B/C and 15 F-5E/F retired. Now operating about 33 F-5E/F/T. The last F-5 fleet, upgraded into F-5TH and F-5THF in 211st Sq. continue to serve until 2025–2030.{{citation needed|reason=Entry needs citing.|date=January 2016}}
;{{TUN}}
*[[Tunisian Air Force]]: Eight F-5E and four F-5F Tiger II were delivered in 1984–1985.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Gwertzman |first1=Bernard |date=1985-08-27 |title=U.S. AFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR TUNISIA AS TENSIONS ON LIBYAN BORDER RISE |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/08/27/world/us-affirms-support-for-tunisia-as-tensions-on-libyan-border-rise.html?searchResultPosition=1 |access-date=2025-04-29 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The TAF received five ex-USAF F-5E in 1989.{{citation needed|date=December 2021}} Eleven F-5Es and 3 F-5Fs were in service as of December 2021.<ref name="waf22p31">{{harvnb|Hoyle|2021|p=31}}</ref>
[[File:3039, AFB Volkel (NL), NF-5A Freedom Fighter, Turkey, Turkish Stars P1010236.jpg|thumb|[[Turkish Stars]] F-5A]]
;{{TUR}}
*[[Turkish Air Force]]: More than 200 F-5A/Bs and NF-5A/Bs were bought from various countries. 48 of them were upgraded to F-5/2000 standard. They were withdrawn from the active service in 2013. Upgraded 10 F-5A-2000 and two F-5B-2000 remain active with the [[Turkish Stars]] aerobatic display team.<ref>[http://www.turkyildizlari.tsk.tr/EN/IcerikDetay.aspx?ID=17 "About the NF-5 Aircraft."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127021946/http://www.turkyildizlari.tsk.tr/EN/IcerikDetay.aspx?ID=17 |date=27 November 2015}} ''Turkish Air Force''. Retrieved: 23 December 2014.</ref> The aircraft is planned to be replaced with [[TAI Hürjet|TAI Hurjet]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-03-06|title=HÜRJET ile ilgili heyecanlandıran gelişme|url=https://www.airnewstimes.com/hurjet-ile-ilgili-heyecanlandiran-gelisme.html |access-date=2021-04-08 |website=Air News Times |language=tr}}</ref>
;{{YEM}}
*[[Yemeni Air Force]]: inherited [[Yemen Arab Republic|North Yemen]]'s F-5 fleet in 1994. Only half a dozen F-5s were still operational as of the early 2010s.<ref>{{harvnb|Cooper|2018|p=29}}</ref> 11 F-5Es and 2 F-5B two seaters were operational in 2023.<ref>2024 World Air Forces, Flight Global, p.34</ref>
*[[Houthis]] operate a single F-5 seized from the Yemeni government.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Tom |title=The Houthi air force has a single fighter jet — an ancient F-5. The US is very much not afraid of it. |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/houthi-air-force-is-single-f-5-jet-us-not-very-scared-2024-1 |access-date=2025-07-05 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Former operators===
[[File:Austrian Air Force Northrop F-5E Tiger II Lofting-5.jpg|thumb|An Austrian Air Force F-5E Tiger II with Swiss registration.]]
[[File:F-5E-F-Tiger-II.jpg|thumb|F-5E Tiger II of the [[Indonesian Air Force]] preserved at the [[Dirgantara Mandala Museum]], [[Yogyakarta]]]]
[[File:Northrop F-5E Tiger II, Jordan - Air Force AN2020760.jpg|thumb|Jordanian F-5E Tiger II]]
;{{AUT}}
*[[Austrian Air Force]]: On loan from Switzerland – all aircraft returned and replaced by [[Eurofighter Typhoon]]s.
;{{CAN}}
*[[Canadian Forces]] – see [[Canadair CF-5]]
;{{ETH}}
*[[Ethiopian Air Force]] first delivery in 1966; it has operated the A, B, and E variants.
[[File:Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter, Greece - Air Force JP6716600.jpg|thumb|A Hellenic Air Force F-5A]]
;{{GRC}}
*[[Hellenic Air Force]] received the first 55 F-5As in 1965. In 1975, 10 aircraft were bought from Iran and later, another 10 followed from Jordan. In 1986, nine aircraft were donated by Norway and in 1991, 10 NF-5As were donated by the Netherlands. During 1967 and 1968 this type of aircraft was used by the 3rd Hellenic Aerobatic Team "New Hellenic Flame". The last NF-5As were retired in 2002.<ref>[http://www.haf.gr/el/mission/weapons/historic/1951_1973/f-5.asp "Northrop F-5A / B and NF-5A / B Freedom Fighter."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015053658/http://www.haf.gr/el/mission/weapons/historic/1951_1973/f-5.asp |date=15 October 2013}} ''Hellenic Air Force''. Retrieved: 23 December 2014.</ref>
;{{IDN}}
*[[Indonesian Air Force]]: Received in 1980, upgraded in [[Belgium]] in the middle to late 1990s. All 16 F-5E/Fs have been retired since 3 May 2016 per directive from Chief of Indonesian Air Force due to safety issues.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Saragih |first1=Maylina |title=18 Pesawat Warnai Muspusdirla Yogyakarta |date=17 April 2018 |publisher=Dinas Penerangan Angkatan Udara |location=Jakarta |pages=43–44}}</ref>
;{{JOR}}
*[[Royal Jordanian Air Force]] – retired in 2015.  Replaced by F-16A/B and [[BAE Systems Hawk|Hawk Mk 63]]. Sold 11 to Brazil for $21 million in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.airway1.com/brazilian-air-force-auctions-three-f-5-fighter-airframe/ |title= Brazilian Air Force auctions three F-5 fighter airframe |date= 21 May 2020 |access-date= 19 July 2020 |archive-date= 20 July 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200720070756/https://www.airway1.com/brazilian-air-force-auctions-three-f-5-fighter-airframe/ |url-status= dead }}</ref>
;{{flag|Kingdom of Libya}}
*[[Royal Libyan Air Force]] to 1969. 10 F-5s. May have been sold to Turkey after 1969.
;{{MYS}}
*[[Royal Malaysian Air Force]] used 4 F-5F as trainer aircraft while another 16 of its Northrop F-5E Tiger IIs were upgraded for reconnaissance purposes.<ref>{{cite book |last=Taylor |first=John |title=Gallery of Far Easy / Pacific Airpower |url={{Google Books URL|9ir83x1DXo8C|p=61}} |page=61}}</ref>
;{{NLD}}
*[[Royal Netherlands Air Force]]: received 75 Canadair-built NF-5A (single-seat fighter version) and 30 NF-5B (two-seat training version) between 7 October 1969 and 20 March 1972.<ref name="WAPJ 25 p98">{{harvnb|Lake|Hewson|1996|p=98}}</ref> After the aircraft were phased out and replaced by the [[F-16 Fighting Falcon]], the aircraft were initially stored at Gilze-Rijen Air Base and Woensdrecht Air Base, until 60 aircraft were sold to Turkey, 11 to Greece and 7 to Venezuela.<ref name="WAPJ 25 p98"/> Several of the remaining aircraft can be found in aviation museums and technical schools.
**No. 313 Squadron; Twenthe Air Base. Formed September 1972, transitioned to F-16 in 1987.<ref name="WAPJ 25 p99">{{harvnb|Lake|Hewson|1996|p=99}}</ref>
**No. 314 Squadron; Eindhoven Air Base. Converted from F-84F from June 1970, and was fully equipped in November that year. The squadron transitioned to the F-16 in April 1990.<ref name="WAPJ 25 p99"/>
**No. 315 Squadron, Operation Conversion Unit (OCU); Twenthe Air Base (transitioned to F-16 in 1986)
**No. 316 Squadron; Gilze-Rijen Air Base (transitioned to F-16 in 1991)
**Field Technic Training Unit NF-5 (1971–1984); Twenthe Air Base
;{{flag|North Yemen}}
*[[Yemen Air Force|Yemen Arab Republic Air Force]]: four F-5B trainers were transferred from [[Saudi Arabia]], and twelve F-5E fighters delivered from the United States (but also paid for by Saudi Arabia) in 1979.<ref name="HSOY 1 p40">{{harvnb|Cooper|2017|p=40}}</ref> Several additional aircraft were later donated by the Saudis as attrition replacements.  The surviving aircraft were passed on to the reunified Yemeni Air Force in 1994.
;{{flaglist|Norway}}
*[[Royal Norwegian Air Force]]: received a total of 108 F-5A, F-5B and RF-5A from 1966 to 1971.
**No. 332 Squadron; Rygge Air Station.
**No. 334 Squadron; Bodø Air Station. Transitioned to F-16 in 1982.
**No. 336 Squadron; Rygge Air Station. Operated F-5 until 2000.
**No. 338 Squadron; Ørland Air Station. Primary air-to-ground missions. Transitioned to F-16 in 1985.
**No. 717 Squadron; Rygge Air Station. Reconnaissance squadron. Operated RF-5A until 1979.
**No. 718 Squadron; Sola Air Station.
;{{PHL}}
*[[Philippine Air Force]] received 19 F-5A (single seat) and three F-5B (two seat) aircraft in 1965–1967. In 1989, the PAF received three ex-Taiwanese F-5A and one F-5B.<ref>[http://books.sipri.org/files/RR/SIPRIRR13.pdf "Arms, Transparency and Security in South-East Asia"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090805045821/http://books.sipri.org/files/RR/SIPRIRR13.pdf |date=5 August 2009}} ''books.sipri.org'', 1997, p. 113. Retrieved: 14 September 2009.</ref> In the 1990s, at least eight ex-South Korean F-5A and two Jordanian F-5A were acquired. The Philippines decommissioned its F-5A/B fleet in 2005.<ref name=PAF_to_buy_6 />
;{{SAU}}
*[[Royal Saudi Air Force]]: From 1974 to 1985 received a total of 20 F-5Bs, 109 F-5E/Fs and 10 RF-5Es.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.the-northrop-f-5-enthusiast-page.info/AirForces/SaudiArabiaAF.html |title=Saudi Arabia AF |access-date=24 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181125073932/http://www.the-northrop-f-5-enthusiast-page.info/AirForces/SaudiArabiaAF.html |archive-date=25 November 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |title=Trade Registers |access-date=24 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229003804/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |archive-date=29 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
;{{SGP}}
*[[Republic of Singapore Air Force]]: operated 32 F-5S, 9 F-5T and 8 RF-5S fighters in 2011.<ref name="AFM275"/> Mostly retired by 2014 except a few left for training,<ref>{{cite news|url= http://defense-update.com/20141023_f5tiger.html|title= Keeping the Tigers Flying|author= Tamir Eshel|date= 23 October 2014|journal= [[Defense Update]]|access-date= 16 May 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180710163526/https://defense-update.com/20141023_f5tiger.html|archive-date= 10 July 2018|url-status= dead}}</ref> before retiring all in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.mindef.gov.sg/web/portal/rsaf/rsaf-forces/assets |title=RSAF - Assets |access-date=10 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710133125/https://www.mindef.gov.sg/web/portal/rsaf/rsaf-forces/assets |archive-date=10 July 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
;{{flag|South Vietnam}}
*[[Republic of Vietnam Air Force]] received a fleet of 158 former US, South Korean, Iranian, and Taiwanese F-5A Freedom Fighters, 10 RF-5A and eight F-5B trainers, USA also provided newer F-5E Tiger IIs, most of F-5s were evacuated to Thailand in 1975, but many were captured by [[Vietnam People's Army|People's Army]].
** 538th Fighter Squadron, Da Nang AB, F-5A/B Freedom Fighter
** 522nd Fighter Squadron, Bien Hoa AB, F-5A/B and RF-5A Freedom Fighter
** 536th Fighter Squadron, Bien Hoa AB, F-5A/B Freedom Fighter and F-5E Tiger II
** 540th Fighter Squadron, Bien Hoa AB, F-5A Freedom Fighter and F-5E Tiger II
** 542nd Fighter Squadron, Bien Hoa AB, F-5A Freedom Fighter
** 544th Fighter Squadron, Bien Hoa AB, F-5A Freedom Fighter
** 716th Reconnaissance Squadron, Tan Son Nhut AB, RF-5A Freedom Fighter
;{{URS}}
*F-5Es were received from Vietnam and the [[Derg]] regime in Ethiopia for performance tests and evaluation flights. They were tested in mock combat against MiG-21 and MiG-23 aircraft, ultimately aiding in the development of the MiG-23MLD and the [[Mikoyan MiG-29|MiG-29]].<ref name="ИСПЫТАНИЯ НА ВОЛЖСКИХ БЕРЕГАХ">Kondaurov, V. N. [http://www.testpilot.ru/review/runway/volga/volga_xvi.htm "Взлетная полоса длиною в жизнь." (in Russian)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110917125045/http://www.testpilot.ru/review/runway/volga/volga_xvi.htm |date=17 September 2011}} ''testpilot.ru.'' Retrieved: 30 June 2011.</ref><ref>Book: US Aircraft in the Soviet Union and Russia, Authors Yefim Gordon, Sergey& Dmitriy Komissarov. Midland publishing UK. Page 249 to Page 254 {{ISBN|978-1-85780-308-2}}</ref>
;{{flag|Sudan}}
*[[Sudanese Air Force]]: 10 F-5Es and two F-5F were delivered in 1978, One of the F-5Fs was sold to [[Jordan]]. Further, two F-5s defected to Sudan from [[Ethiopia]] during the Ogaden crisis.<ref name="WAPJ 25 p103"/>
;{{TWN-ROC}}
*[[Republic of China Air Force]]: Received 115 F-5A and B from 1965, 48 were transferred to South Vietnam before 1975. From 1973 to 1986, Taiwan produced 308 F-5E/Fs under license.<ref name="WAPJ 25 p104"/> Later batches of locally AIDC licensed production of Tiger IIs were fitted with flare/chaff dispensers, plus handling qualities upgrades with enlarged [[leading edge extension|LEX]] and F-20's shark nose, and radar warning receivers (RWR).<ref name=Johnsen_p35/><ref name="WAPJ 25 p77">{{harvnb|Lake|Hewson|1996|p=77}}</ref> Seven of the F-5E were converted to RF-5E Tigergazer in 1996.<ref name="AFM275"/>
;{{TUR}}
*[[Turkish Air Force]]: More than 175 F-5A/Bs were retired.
;{{USA}}
*[[United States Air Force]]
**Continental United States–based units
***[[64th Aggressor Squadron]] (1976–1988) [[Nellis Air Force Base]], [[Nevada]]
***[[65th Aggressor Squadron]] (1975–1989) Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada
***[[425th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron]] (1973–1989) [[Luke Air Force Base]], [[Arizona]]
**[[United States Air Forces Europe]] (USAFE)
***[[527th Space Aggressor Squadron|527th Aggressor Squadron]] (1976–1988) [[RAF Alconbury]], [[England]]
**[[Pacific Air Forces]] (PACAF)
***4503rd Tactical Fighter Squadron (October 1965 - April 1966) Bien Hoa AB and Da Nang AB, Republic of Vietnam
***[[10th Airborne Command and Control Squadron|10th Fighter Commando Squadron]] (April 1966 - June 1967)
***[[26th Space Aggressor Squadron|26th Aggressor Squadron]] (1977–1988) [[Clark Air Base]], [[Philippines]]
[[File:F-5N of VFC-111 at NAS Key West in November 2014.JPG|thumb|F-5N in service with US Navy aggressor squadron [[VFC-111]]]]
*[[United States Navy]]
**[[VFC-13]]
**[[VF-43]]
**[[VF-45 (1963-96)|VF-45]]
**[[VFC-111]]
**[[VF-126]]
**[[VFA-127]]
**[[VFC-204]]
*[[United States Marine Corps]]
**[[VMFT-401]]
**[[VMFT-402]]
;{{VEN}}
*[[Venezuelan Air Force]] 27 aircraft acquired (16 CF-5As, 4 CF-5Ds, 1 NF-5A, 6 NF-5Bs), 9 lost to accidents. The last unit recorded to have flown did it in 2010.<ref name="fav-club.com"/>{{unreliable source?|date=December 2022}} {{as of|2021}}, all F-5 fleet was retired, and its role is replaced by [[Hongdu JL-8|Hongdu K-8W]].<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[Key Publishing]]|date=2021-03-21|access-date=2023-11-04|title=An insight into Venezuela's modern air force|first1=Erwin|last1=Fuguet|first2=Santiago |last2=Rivas|url=https://www.key.aero/article/insight-venezuelas-modern-air-force}}</ref>
;{{VNM}}
*[[Vietnam People's Air Force]] (several captured ex-[[Republic of Vietnam Air Force|RVNAF]] aircraft). One F-5E (s/n 73-00867) was transferred to the Soviet Union for evaluation flights, i.e. against the MiG-21bis; 40+ F-5E/F/C were in VNAF's service.<ref>Gordon 2008, pp. 403–410.</ref> After the Vietnam War, Vietnamese forces used the captured F-5 fleet against [[People's Liberation Army|Chinese forces]] during [[Sino-Vietnamese War]].{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}}

==Aircraft on display==

===Brazil===
;F-5B
*FAB-4805 - [[Brazilian Air Force]] - [[Santa Cruz Air Force Base]], [[Rio de Janeiro]]<ref>[http://www.aereo.jor.br/2012/06/04/resposta-do-ultimo-desafio-f-5b-na-base-aerea-de-santa-cruz/ "F-5B Freedom Fighter."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906134532/http://www.aereo.jor.br/2012/06/04/resposta-do-ultimo-desafio-f-5b-na-base-aerea-de-santa-cruz/ |date=6 September 2017}} '' Santa Cruz Air Force Base''. Retrieved: 6 September 2017.</ref>
;F-5E
*FAB-4879 - Brazilian Air Force - [[CINDACTA]] II, [[Curitiba]]<ref>[http://www.aen.pr.gov.br/modules/galeria/detalhe.php?evento=45572#menu-galeria 'F-5E Tiger II] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906133912/http://www.aen.pr.gov.br/modules/galeria/detalhe.php?evento=45572#menu-galeria |date=6 September 2017}} Retrieved: 6 September 2017</ref>

===Canada===
See [[Canadair CF-5#Aircraft_on_display|Canadair CF-5]]

===Chile===
;F-5E 
*[[File:Northrop F-5, A742459.jpg|thumb|F-5E Tiger II of the [[Chilean Air Force]], preserved at [[Museo Nacional Aeronáutico y del Espacio]].]]At [[Museo Nacional Aeronáutico y del Espacio]]<ref>[https://www.aviationmuseum.eu/Blogvorm/museo-nacional-aeronautico-y-del-espacio/ "F5E Tiger."] ''AviationMuseum''. Retrieved: 12 July 2025</ref>

===Czech Republic===
;F-5E
*73-00878 (Vietnam Air Force) – [[Prague Aviation Museum, Kbely]], [[Prague]]<ref>[http://www.vhu.cz/exhibit/northrop-f-5-e-tiger-ii-usa-1974/ "F-5 Freedom Fighter."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605042619/http://www.vhu.cz/exhibit/northrop-f-5-e-tiger-ii-usa-1974/ |date=5 June 2016}} ''Military History Institute Prague''. Retrieved: 16 January 2016.</ref>

===Greece===
;F-5A
*65-10541 – [[Hellenic Air Force Museum]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Airframe Dossier |url=https://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=109729 |website=aerialvisuals.ca |access-date=29 August 2023}}</ref>
*68-9071 – [[Athens War Museum]]<ref>[http://www.fly-in-magazin.de/galerie/hellenic-air-force-museum/35.jpg "Northrop F-5."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014113716/http://www.fly-in-magazin.de/galerie/hellenic-air-force-museum/35.jpg |date=14 October 2013}} ''Athens War Museum''. Retrieved: 23 December 2014.</ref>
*69–132 – Hellenic Air Force Museum<ref>[http://www.fly-in-magazin.de/galerie/hellenic-air-force-museum/43.jpg "Northrop F-5."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014114736/http://www.fly-in-magazin.de/galerie/hellenic-air-force-museum/43.jpg |date=14 October 2013}} ''Hellenic Air Force Museum''. Retrieved: 23 December 2014.</ref>
*13-353 – [[Thessaloniki War Museum]]<ref>[http://armyaviation.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/1013073_10201264410072830_1487218395_n.jpg "Northrop F-5."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022135020/http://armyaviation.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/1013073_10201264410072830_1487218395_n.jpg |date=22 October 2013}} ''Thessaloniki War Museum''. Retrieved: 23 December 2014.</ref>
*68-074 -  Kalamata Military Museum{{cn|date=August 2025}}
;RF-5A
*69-7170 – Hellenic Air Force Museum<ref>[http://www.fly-in-magazin.de/galerie/hellenic-air-force-museum/7.jpg "Northrop F-5."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014113851/http://www.fly-in-magazin.de/galerie/hellenic-air-force-museum/7.jpg |date=14 October 2013}} ''Hellenic Air Force Museum''. Retrieved: 23 December 2014.</ref>

===Indonesia===
[[File:F-5E-F-Tiger-II-1.jpg|thumb|Indonesian Air Force F-5E Tiger II of the Skadron Udara 14 at [[Dirgantara Mandala Museum]] [[Yogyakarta]]]]
;F-5E
* TS-0501 - Tri Matra Monument, [[Tanjungpinang]], [[Riau Islands]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airspace-review.com/2021/10/25/ada-f-5e-ts-0501-di-monumen-tri-matra-di-tanjungpinang/|title=Ada F-5E TS-0501 di Monumen Tri Matra di Tanjungpinang|website=airspace-review.com|date=25 October 2021|access-date=2 November 2021|language=ID}}</ref> Formerly at [[Adisutjipto International Airport|Adisutjipto Air Force Base]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-01-15|title=Danlanud Adisutjipto Resmikan Monumen Pesawat Tempur F5 dan Havard|url=https://tni-au.mil.id/danlanud-adisutjipto-resmikan-monumen-pesawat-tempur-f5-dan-havard/|access-date=2020-11-29|website=tni-au.mil.id|language=id|archive-date=22 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922105320/https://tni-au.mil.id/danlanud-adisutjipto-resmikan-monumen-pesawat-tempur-f5-dan-havard/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* TS-0502 - [[:id:Taman Lalu-lintas Ade Irma Suryani Nasution|Ade Irma Suryani Nasution Traffic Park]], [[Bandung]], [[West Java]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-07-18|title=Intip Monumen F-5E Tiger II di Taman Lalu Lintas Bandung|url=https://www.airspace-review.com/2019/07/18/intip-monumen-f-5e-tiger-ii-di-taman-lalu-lintas-bandung/|access-date=2020-11-29|website=airspace-review.com|language=id|archive-date=22 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722102224/http://www.airspace-review.com/2019/07/18/intip-monumen-f-5e-tiger-ii-di-taman-lalu-lintas-bandung/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* TS-0503 - [[Dirgantara Mandala Museum]], [[Sleman Regency]], [[Special Region of Yogyakarta]]<ref name="Monumen AU">{{cite book |last1=M. Tarigan |first1=Lisa |title=Monumen Angkatan Udara (Revisi I) |date=5 November 2015 |publisher=Dinas Penerangan Angkatan Udara |location=Jakarta |page=146}}</ref>
* TS-0508 - [[Indonesian Air Force Academy]], Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta
* TS-0509 - As [[gate guardian]] at [[Iswahyudi Air Force Base]], [[Magetan]], [[East Java]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-07-18|title=Mewarisi Semangat, dan Kebanggaan Bangsa, Kasau Resmikan Monumen Pesawat F-5 Tiger di Lanud Iswahjudi|url=https://tni-au.mil.id/mewarisi-semangat-dan-kebanggaan-bangsa-kasau-resmikan-monumen-pesawat-f-5-tiger-di-lanud-iswahjudi/|access-date=2020-11-29|website=tni-au.mil.id|language=id|archive-date=31 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231211517/https://tni-au.mil.id/mewarisi-semangat-dan-kebanggaan-bangsa-kasau-resmikan-monumen-pesawat-f-5-tiger-di-lanud-iswahjudi/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-02-08|title=Monumen F-5 Tiger, Warisan Semangat Menjaga Langit Nusantara|url=https://daerah.sindonews.com/artikel/jatim/6641/monumen-f5-tiger-warisan-semangat-menjaga-langit-nusantara|access-date=2020-11-29|website=daerah.sindonews.com|language=id|archive-date=29 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129075642/https://daerah.sindonews.com/artikel/jatim/6641/monumen-f5-tiger-warisan-semangat-menjaga-langit-nusantara|url-status=live}}</ref>
* TS-0510 - In front of [[Indonesian National Air Defense Forces Command]], [[Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport]], [[East Jakarta]], [[Jakarta]]<ref name="Monumen AU"/>
* TS-0511 - SMA Pradita Dirgantara high school, [[Boyolali Regency]], [[Central Java]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-03-20|title=Boyolali Punya Monumen Pesawat Tempur|url=https://www.suaramerdeka.com/index.php/news/baca/28105/boyolali-punya-monumen-pesawat-tempur|access-date=2020-11-29|website=suaramerdeka.com|language=id|archive-date=29 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129091503/https://www.suaramerdeka.com/index.php/news/baca/28105/boyolali-punya-monumen-pesawat-tempur|url-status=live}}</ref>
* TS-0512 - [[:id:Sekolah Staf dan Komando Angkatan Udara|Indonesian Air Force Command and Staff College]], [[West Bandung Regency]], West Java<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-10-20|title=F-5E Tiger II TS-0512 Jadi Monumen di Seskoau Lembang Jawa Barat|url=https://www.airspace-review.com/2018/10/20/f-5e-tiger-ii-ts-0512-jadi-monumen-di-seskoau-lembang-jawa-barat/|access-date=2020-11-29 |website=airspace-review.com|language=id|archive-date=29 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129080623/https://www.airspace-review.com/2018/10/20/f-5e-tiger-ii-ts-0512-jadi-monumen-di-seskoau-lembang-jawa-barat/|url-status=live}}</ref>
;F-5F
* TS-0513 - Madiun Regency Plaza, [[Madiun Regency]], East Java<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-07-12|title=Purna Tugas, Pesawat F5 Jadi Monumen Legendaris|url=http://madiuntoday.id/2018/07/12/purna-tugas-pesawat-f5-jadi-monumen-legendaris/|access-date=2020-11-29 |website=madiuntoday.id|language=id|archive-date=1 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901051457/http://madiuntoday.id/2018/07/12/purna-tugas-pesawat-f5-jadi-monumen-legendaris/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* TS-0515 - [[:id:Komando Operasi Angkatan Udara III|Third Air Force Operations Command]] Headquarters, [[Biak Numfor Regency]], [[Papua (province)|Papua]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-09-30 |title=Di Makoopsau III, Ada Monumen Jet Tempur F5 Tiger |url=http://cenderawasihpos.co.id/di-makoopsau-iii-ada-monumen-jet-tempur-f5-tiger/ |access-date=2020-11-29 |website=cenderawasihpos.co.id |language=id|archive-date=29 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129083746/http://cenderawasihpos.co.id/di-makoopsau-iii-ada-monumen-jet-tempur-f5-tiger/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Iran===
[[File:F-5E-3-7107.jpg|thumb|F-5E "3-7107" on static display Tehran, Iran]]
;F-5E
*3-7107 - Museum of the Islamic Revolution and the Holy Defense<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20211024155000/https://en.iranrhdm.ir/en/home Museum of the Islamic Revolution and the Holy Defense]. iranrhdm.ir</ref>

===Mexico===
[[File:F-5 E Tiger II Mexico.jpg|thumb|F-5E Tiger II of the [[Mexican Air Force]] preserved at the [[Mexican Air Force Museum]].]]
;F-5E
*FAM-4505 - [[Mexican Air Force Museum]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2022-03-25 |title=Museo Militar de Aviación |url=https://www.editorialgea.com.mx/museo-militar-de-aviacion/ |access-date=2023-08-02 |website=Revista Armas |language=es |archive-date=8 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608202229/https://www.editorialgea.com.mx/museo-militar-de-aviacion/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Norway===
;F-5A
*66-9207 - [[Western Museum of Flight]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=57839 |title=Airframe Dossier |website=aerialvisuals.ca |access-date=29 August 2023}}</ref>
*68-9102 - [[Norwegian Aviation Museum]]<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |url=http://luftfartsmuseum.no/en/ |title=Norsk Luftfartsmuseum - - Norges nasjonale museum for luftfart |website=Norsk Luftfartsmuseum |language=en-US |access-date=2017-12-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016185830/http://luftfartsmuseum.no/en/ |archive-date=16 October 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
*69-7134 - Norwegian Aviation Museum<ref name=":0" />
*AH-M - [[Sola Aviation Museum]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.flymuseum-sola.no/ |title=Flyhistorisk museum |website=Flyhistorisk museum |language=nb-NO |access-date=2017-12-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018012856/https://www.flymuseum-sola.no/ |archive-date=18 October 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
*594 - [[Norwegian Armed Forces Aircraft Collection]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.flysam.no/#utstillingen |title=Forsvarets Flysamling Gardermoen |website=Flysamlingen Forsvarets museer |language=nb-NO |access-date=2017-12-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018071122/https://www.flysam.no/#utstillingen |archive-date=18 October 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Philippines===
;F-5A
*63-8389 - Air Power Park, [[Philippine Military Academy]], [[Baguio City]]. Ex-[[Republic of Korea Air Force|RoKAF]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://pmaaai.ph/news-events/blessing-and-inauguration-of-air-power-park |title=Blessing and Inauguration of Air Power Park |access-date=16 February 2024 |archive-date=18 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230818083848/https://pmaaai.ph/news-events/blessing-and-inauguration-of-air-power-park |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>https://www.paf.mil.ph/news-articles/air-power-park-and-archangel-facade-blessed-and-inaugurated{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://smninewschannel.com/air-power-park-ng-philippine-military-academy-dinadagsa-ng-mga-turista/ | title=Air Power Park ng PMA, dinadagsa ng mga turista | date=30 March 2022 }}</ref>
*64-13326 - [[Villamor Air Base|Philippine Air Force Museum]], [[Pasay]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=121808|title=Aerial Visuals - Airframe Dossier - Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter, s/n 13326 PhiAF, c/n N.6095|website=aerialvisuals.ca}}</ref>
*65-10499/FA-499 - [[Basa Air Base]], [[Floridablanca, Pampanga|Pampanga]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2023-12-21_PAF_F-5_Gate_Guard.jpg#Licensing|title=English: IN PHOTOS &#124; The 5th Fighter Wing participated in the Simultaneous Flag Rising Ceremony and Interfaith Prayer Service in celebration of the 88th Armed Forces of the Philippines Founding Anniversary with a Theme: AFP@88: Rising Over the Challenges in Service to the Nation, led by the Wing Commander, 5th Fighter Wing, BGEN LEO A FONTANILLA PAF, on 21 December 2023 at Flagpole Area, 5th Fighter Wing, Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga.|first=5th Fighter Wing, Air Defense Command, Philippine Air|last=Force|date=21 December 2023|via=Wikimedia Commons}}</ref>
*65-10507 - [[Clark Air Base]], [[Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone|Pampanga]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/152324258@N06/40891135625|title=Philippine Air Force Northrop F-5A Freedom 10507 @Air Force City, Clark Air Base, Pampanga|date=1 April 2018|via=Flickr}}</ref>
*66-9143 - [[Tagaytay City]], [[Cavite]]
*67-21190 - Clark Air Base, Pampanga. Ex-RoKAF{{cn|date=June 2025}}
*67-21177 - [[Philippine Marine Corps]] Camp Cape Bojeador, [[Burgos, Ilocos Norte]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tribune.net.ph/2024/03/07/military-tourism-opens-in-ilocos-norte|title=Military tourism opens in Ilocos Norte|first=Jasper|last=Dawang|date=7 March 2024|website=Daily Tribune}}</ref>
;F-5B
*40780 - Clark Air Base, Pampanga. Ex-[[Republic of China Air Force|RoCAF]] "1117"<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://warbirdinformationexchange.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=66466 |title=Air Force Park Clark Field 410th AMW Philippines |website=warbirdinformationexchange.org/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/139427640@N03/41075904694/ | title=P4041932 | date=4 April 2018 }}</ref>

===Poland===
;F-5E
*73-00852 (R1033) (Vietnam Air Force) – [[Polish Aviation Museum]], [[Kraków]]<ref>[http://skrzydla.org/showphoto.php?photo_id=63894&cd=145301d5d6f182271631dcc064ff9fd8 "F-5 Freedom Fighter/73-00852."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222000219/http://skrzydla.org/showphoto.php?photo_id=63894&cd=145301d5d6f182271631dcc064ff9fd8 |date=22 February 2014}} ''skrzydla.org.'' Retrieved: 6 May 2013.</ref>

===Saudi Arabia===
[[File:F-5E in the Saudi Air Force Museum.jpg|thumb|F-5E in the Royal Saudi Air Force Museum]]
;F-5E
• F-5E Tiger II at [[Royal Saudi Air Force Museum]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 August 2020 |title=Visit Saqr Al-Jazeera Museum |url=https://x.com/VisitSaudiAR/status/1297111636981895169 |website=X}}</ref>

===Singapore===
;F-5S
*At [[Singapore Air Force Museum]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mindef.gov.sg/web/portal/rsaf/about-the-rsaf/air-force-museum|title=Air Force Museum|publisher=Ministry of Defense, Singapore|access-date=19 January 2024|archive-date=2 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102083933/https://www.mindef.gov.sg/web/portal/rsaf/about-the-rsaf/air-force-museum|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Spain===
;F-5A
*A9-050 — [[Museum of Aeronautics and Astronautics (Madrid)|Museum of Aeronautics and Astronautics]], Cuatro Vientos, Madrid
;SRF-5A
*AR9-062 — [[Museum of Aeronautics and Astronautics (Madrid)|Museum of Aeronautics and Astronautics]], Cuatro Vientos, Madrid
;F-5BM
*AR9-053 – [[Elder Museum of Science and Technology]], [[Gran Canaria]]<ref>[http://www.museoelder.org/imagencorporativa/fotoelder03.jpg "Northrop F-5."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616171821/http://www.museoelder.org/imagencorporativa/fotoelder03.jpg |date=16 June 2012}} ''Elder Museum of Science and Technology''. Retrieved: 23 December 2014.</ref>

===Switzerland===
[[File:Fliegermuseum Dübendorf Eingang.jpg|thumb|J-3096 outside [[Flieger Flab Museum]], in Patrouille Suisse paint]]

;F-5E
*J-3096 Gate Guard as "J-3013" in [[Patrouille Suisse]] paint at the [[Flieger-Flab-Museum]]<ref name="Willkommen im Flieger Flab Museum">{{cite web |title=Willkommen im Flieger Flab Museum |url=https://www.afc-fliegermuseum.ch |website=Flieger Flab Museum |publisher=Air Force Center |access-date=31 March 2023}}</ref>
*J-3098 at the Flieger-Flab-Museum<ref name="Willkommen im Flieger Flab Museum"/>
*J-3099 Gate Guard as "J-3008" at [[Meiringen Air Base]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Meiringen Air Base |url=https://www.vtg.admin.ch/en/organisation/kdo-op/air-force/flpl-mei.html |website=Swiss Armed Forces |access-date=31 March 2023 |archive-date=1 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401224548/https://www.vtg.admin.ch/en/organisation/kdo-op/air-force/flpl-mei.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
;F-5F
*J-3202 at the Flieger-Flab-Museum<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.vtg.admin.ch/content/vtg-internet/de/organisation/lw/_jcr_content/contentPar/tabs_476776154/items/dokumente/tabPar/downloadlist/downloadItems/205_1494591070764.download/Militaerische_Kennungen.pdf|title=Schweizer Luftwaffe Militärische Kennungen Registrationen}}{{Dead link|date=October 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>

===Thailand===
[[File:F-5B RTAF.jpg|thumb|F-5B in [[Royal Thai Air Force Museum]], the first F-5B produced]]
[[File:RTAF F-5E No.21134.jpg|thumb|RTAF F-5E at Royal Thai Air Force Museum]]

;F-5A
*97158 - [[Royal Thai Air Force Museum]]{{Citation needed|date=May 2021}}
;F-5B
*38438 - Royal Thai Air Force Museum, the first F-5B produced{{Citation needed|date=May 2021}}
*01603 - Wing 23 gate [[Udon Thani International Airport]]{{Citation needed|date=May 2021}}
;F-5E
*21134 - Royal Thai Air Force Museum{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}

===Turkey===
;F-5A
*14460 – [[Istanbul Aviation Museum]]<ref name="aviationmuseum.eu">{{cite web |url=http://www.aviationmuseum.eu/World/Europe/Turkey/Istanbul/Yesilkoymuseum.htm|title=Hava Kuvvetleri Muzesi Komutanligi (Turkish Air Force Museum) - Yesilkoy - Istanbul - Turkey |access-date=28 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807022920/http://www.aviationmuseum.eu/World/Europe/Turkey/Istanbul/Yesilkoymuseum.htm |archive-date=7 August 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>
;NF-5A
*3022/22 – Istanbul Aviation Museum<ref name="aviationmuseum.eu"/>
*3070/3-070 – Istanbul Aviation Museum<ref name="aviationmuseum.eu"/>
;RF-5A
*97147/5-147 – Istanbul Aviation Museum<ref name="aviationmuseum.eu"/>

===United States===
;YF-5A
*59-4987 – [[Museum of Flight]] at [[Boeing Field]] in [[Seattle]], Washington<ref>[https://www.museumofflight.org/aircraft/northrop-yf-5a-n-156f-freedom-fighter "F-5 Freedom Fighter/59-4987."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420194806/https://www.museumofflight.org/aircraft/northrop-yf-5a-n-156f-freedom-fighter |date=20 April 2016}} ''Museum of Flight''. Retrieved: 7 May 2016.</ref>
*59-4989 – [[National Museum of the United States Air Force]] at [[Wright-Patterson AFB]] near [[Dayton, Ohio]]<ref>[http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=300 "F-5 Freedom Fighter/59-4987."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404193654/http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=300 |date=4 April 2013}} ''National Museum of the USAF.'' Retrieved: 1 Apr 2013.</ref>
;F-5A
*66-9207 – [[Western Museum of Flight]] in [[Torrance, California]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter |url=http://www.wmof.com/f5a.htm |website=Western Museum of Flight |access-date=30 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160623222837/http://www.wmof.com/f5a.htm|archive-date=23 June 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Airframe Dossier – Northrop F-5A-30-NO Freedom Fighter, s/n 207 RNoAF, c/n N.7030|url=http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=57839 |website=Aerial Visuals|publisher=AerialVisuals.ca|access-date=30 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161014020408/http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=57839|archive-date=14 October 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
;F-5B
*63-8447 - [[Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science]], [[Miami, Florida]].  Formerly on display at [[Octave Chanute Aerospace Museum]] at the former [[Chanute AFB]], [[Rantoul, Illinois]].<ref>{{cite web|title=USAF Serial Number Search (63-8441)|url=http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1963.html|access-date=2018-02-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425085009/http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1963.html|archive-date=25 April 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Supersonic Challenges: The Installation of the F-5 Fighter Jet (Jan 27, 2017)|url=https://www.frostscience.org/blog/supersonic-challenges/|date=27 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401075350/https://www.frostscience.org/blog/supersonic-challenges/|archive-date=1 April 2018|url-status=dead|access-date=15 April 2018}}</ref> Displayed completely covered in chrome.<ref>{{cite web|title=Smithsonian Torch Affiliate Spotlight (Frost Museum)|url=https://torch.si.edu/2017/06/affiliate-spotlight-phillip-and-patricia-frost-museum-of-science/|access-date=2018-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401075222/https://torch.si.edu/2017/06/affiliate-spotlight-phillip-and-patricia-frost-museum-of-science/|archive-date=1 April 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*72-0441 – [[Pima Air and Space Museum]], adjacent to [[Davis-Monthan AFB]] in [[Tucson, Arizona]]<ref>[http://www.pimaair.org/aircraft-by-name/item/northrop-f-5b-freedom-fighter "F-5 Freedom Fighter/72-0441."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725021151/http://www.pimaair.org/aircraft-by-name/item/northrop-f-5b-freedom-fighter |date=25 July 2015}} ''Pima Air and Space Museum''. Retrieved: 24 July 2015.</ref>
;F-5E
*72-1387 – [[Pacific Coast Air Museum]], [[Santa Rosa, California]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pacificcoastairmuseum.org/aircraft/F5ETigerII.asp |title=F-5E Tiger II at the Pacific Coast Air Museum, Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport Santa Rosa California |access-date=1 October 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923133314/http://www.pacificcoastairmuseum.org/aircraft/F5ETigerII.asp |archive-date=23 September 2015 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
*73-01640 [[Hill Aerospace Museum]], [[Ogden, Utah]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.hill.af.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2000522667/ |title=F-5E Tiger |website= hill.af.mil}}</ref>
*74-1556, [[Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum]] in [[McMinnville, Oregon]]; on loan from the National Museum of Naval Aviation. Carries the colors of a United States Air Force aggressor.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ICL2005.010.001 - Aircraft, Fixed Wing |website= Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum |url=https://evergreenmuseum.pastperfectonline.com/webobject/78BE544A-7B8A-4D1F-8BAC-515531593854 |access-date=2023-12-13}}</ref>
*74-1558, later US Navy 741558 – [[Fort Worth Aviation Museum]], [[Fort Worth, Texas]]<ref>[http://vmap.wikispaces.com/F-5E+Tiger+II "F-5 Freedom Fighter/74-1558."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324124332/http://vmap.wikispaces.com/F-5E+Tiger+II |date=24 March 2016}} ''Fort Worth Aviation Museum''. Retrieved: 24 July 2015.</ref>
*74-1564, later US Navy/US Marine Corps 741564 – [[Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum]] at [[MCAS Miramar]] in [[San Diego, California]]<ref>[https://www.flyingleathernecks.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Aircraft_Listing.pdf "F-5 Freedom Fighter/74-1564."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304030559/http://flyingleathernecks.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Aircraft_Listing.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715004258/http://flyingleathernecks.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Aircraft_Listing.pdf |archive-date=2014-07-15 |url-status=live |date=4 March 2016}} ''Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum''. Retrieved: 24 July 2015.</ref>
*74-1571 – [[Nellis Air Force Base]], [[Las Vegas, Nevada]].<ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=http://www.aviationmuseum.eu/World/North_America/USA/Nevada/Nellis_AFB/Freedom_Park.htm|title=Nellis AFB Freedom Park - Nellis AFB - Nevada - USA|access-date=13 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220155614/http://www.aviationmuseum.eu/World/North_America/USA/Nevada/Nellis_AFB/Freedom_Park.htm|archive-date=20 December 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> Carries the markings of the [[57th Wing|57th Fighter Weapons Wing]], with Bort Code 65.<ref name=":1" />
*74-1572 - [[Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum]], [[Cape May, New Jersey]]. On loan from the National Museum of Navy.<ref name="jet">{{cite web |title=JET AIRCRAFT |url=http://usnasw.org/pages/jet-aircraft |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426110520/https://usnasw.org/pages/jet-aircraft |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 April 2019 |website=Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum |access-date=6 May 2019 }}</ref>
*141540 - Marine F-5E Aggressor, at Hickory Aviation Museum<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nebula.wsnig.com|url=http://nebula.wsimg.com/182b81513b5282eb4b691bff3958fcb7?AccessKeyId=2158F2CB6BFA6619063B&disposition=0&alloworigin=1|url-status=dead|access-date=2 February 2022|archive-date=11 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111210235/http://nebula.wsimg.com/182b81513b5282eb4b691bff3958fcb7?AccessKeyId=2158F2CB6BFA6619063B&disposition=0&alloworigin=1}}</ref>

===Vietnam===
;F-5A
* 66-9170 – [[War Remnants Museum]], Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam<ref>{{cite web|last1=Baugher|first1=Joe|title=1966 USAF Serial Numbers|url=http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1966.html|access-date=11 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215061406/http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1966.html|archive-date=15 February 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
;F-5E
* 73-01638 – [[Independence Palace]], Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}

==Specifications (F-5E Tiger II)==
[[File:Northrop F-5E Tiger II 3-view.svg|thumb|3-view drawing of F-5E Tiger II]]
[[File:F-5 IMG 6112.jpg|thumb|M39A2 cannon in the right side of the nose of an F-5E]]
[[File:F-5 External Fueltank cutview.jpg|thumb|F-5 external fuel tank cutview]]
[[File:Northrop F-5A(G) Freedom Fighter flight deck.jpg|thumb|Cockpit of a Norwegian F-5A]]

{{Aircraft specs
| ref = Jane's all the World's Aircraft 1976–77,<ref name=JAWA76-77>{{cite book |title=Jane's all the World's Aircraft 1976–77 |editor1-last=Taylor |editor1-first=John W.R. |edition=67th |year=1976 |publisher=Jane's Yearbooks |location=London |isbn=0-3540-0538-3 |pages=344–346}}</ref> The Complete Book of Fighters,<ref name=Green>{{cite book |last1=Green |first1=William |title=The Complete Book of Fighters |year=1994 |publisher=Salamander |location=London |isbn=1-85833-777-1 |last2=Swanborough |first2=Gordon |pages=458–460}}</ref> Quest for Performance<ref name="NASA">{{cite web |first1=L.K. (Jr.) |last1=Loftin |title=Quest for Performance: The Evolution of Modern Aircraft Appendix A (Continued) [488-489] Table V - Characteristics of Illustrative Jet Fighter Aircraft Physical characteristics |url=https://www.hq.nasa.gov/pao/History/SP-468/app-a3.htm |website=www.hq.nasa.gov |access-date=3 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116122154/http://www.hq.nasa.gov/pao/History/SP-468/app-a3.htm |archive-date=16 January 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| prime units? = kts<!--  General characteristics-->
| crew = 1
| length ft = 48
| length in = 2.25
| length note = 
| span ft = 26
| span in = 8
| span note = <br />
:::{{cvt|27|ft|11.875|in}} with wing-tip missiles
| height ft = 13
| height in = 4.5
| height note = 
| wing area sqft = 186
| wing area note = 
| aspect ratio = 3.86
| airfoil = [[NACA airfoil|NACA 65A004.8]]<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326174850/https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |archive-date=26 March 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| empty weight lb = 9583
| empty weight note = 
| gross weight lb = 15745
| gross weight note = clean
| max takeoff weight lb = 24675
| max takeoff weight note = 
| fuel capacity = <br />
:* '''Internal fuel:''' {{cvt|677|USgal|impgal l}}
:* '''External fuel:''' up to 3x {{cvt|275|USgal|impgal l}} drop-tanks
| more general = <br />
* '''[[Lift-to-drag ratio]]:''' 10.0
*'''[[Zero-lift drag coefficient]]:''' C<sub>D</sub>0.0200
* '''[[zero-lift drag coefficient|Frontal area]]:''' {{cvt|3.4|sqft}}
<!--  Powerplant
-->| eng1 number = 2
| eng1 name = [[General Electric J85-GE-21]]
| eng1 type = afterburning turbojet engines
| eng1 lbf = 3500
| eng1 note = 
| eng1 lbf-ab = 5000
<!--  Performance
-->| max speed kts = 
| max speed note = *'''Maximum speed:''' {{convert|1.63|Mach|altitude_ft=36,000|-1}} at {{cvt|36,000|ft}}
*'''Maximum cruise speed:''' {{convert|0.98|Mach|altitude_ft=36,000|-1}} at {{cvt|36,000|ft}}
*'''Economical cruise speed:''' {{convert|0.8|Mach|altitude_ft=36,000|-1}} at {{cvt|36,000|ft}}
| cruise speed kts = 
| cruise speed note = 
| stall speed kts = 124
| stall speed note = 50% internal fuel, flaps and wheels extended
| never exceed speed kts = 710
| never exceed speed note = IAS
| minimum control speed kts = 
| minimum control speed note = 
| range nmi = 481
| range note = clean
*'''Combat radius (20 min reserve):''' {{cvt|120|nmi|mi km}} with 2x Sidewinders + {{cvt|5200|lb}} ordnance, with 5 minutes combat at max power at sea level
| ferry range nmi = 2010
| ferry range note = <ref>"Card 3." ''Recognition Study Cards – U.S. and Foreign Aircraft'' (Device 5E14H. LSN 6910-LL-C006462: 55 Cards). Orlando, Florida, USA: Naval Training Equipment Center, Department of the Navy, 1982.</ref>
*'''Ferry range (20 min reserve):''' {{cvt|1385|nmi|mi km}} drop tanks retained
*'''Ferry range (20 min reserve):''' {{cvt|1590|nmi|mi km}} drop tanks jettisoned
| endurance = <!-- if range unknown -->
| ceiling ft = 51800
| ceiling note = <br />
*'''Service ceiling one engine out:''' {{cvt|41000|ft}}
| g limits = <!-- aerobatic -->
| roll rate = <!-- aerobatic -->
| glide ratio = <!-- sailplanes -->
| climb rate ftmin = 34500
| climb rate note = 
| time to altitude = 
| lift to drag = 10:1
| wing loading lb/sqft = 133
| wing loading note = maximum
| fuel consumption lb/mi = 
| power/mass = 
| thrust/weight = 0.4 for take-off thrust at maximum take-off weight
| more performance = <br />
*'''Take-off run:''' {{cvt|610|m|order=flip}} with two Sidewinders at {{cvt|15745|lb}}
*'''Take-off run to {{cvt|50|ft}}:''' {{cvt|884|m|order=flip}} with two Sidewinders at {{cvt|15745|lb}}
*'''Landing run from {{cvt|50|ft}}:''' {{cvt|1128|m|order=flip}} without brake-chute
*'''Landing run from {{cvt|50|ft}}:''' {{cvt|762|m|order=flip}} with brake-chute
<!--   Armament
-->| guns = 2× [[20 mm caliber|20 mm (0.787 in)]] [[M39 cannon|M39A2]] [[Revolver cannon]] in the nose, 280 rounds/gun
| hardpoints = 7 total (only pylon stations 3, 4 and 5 are wet-plumbed): 2× wing-tip AAM launch rails, 4× under-wing & 1× under-fuselage pylon stations
| hardpoint capacity = {{convert|7000|lb|lk=on}}
| hardpoint rockets = <br />
***2× LAU-61/LAU-68 rocket pods (each with 19× /7× [[Hydra 70]] mm rockets, respectively); ''or''
***2× LAU-5003 rocket pods (each with 19× [[CRV7]] 70 mm rockets); ''or''
***2× LAU-10 rocket pods (each with 4× [[Zuni (rocket)|Zuni]] 127 mm rockets); ''or''
***2× Matra rocket pods (each with 18× [[SNEB]] 68 mm rockets)
| hardpoint missiles = <br />
***2× [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]] air-to-air missile on wingtips (initial F-5E Tiger II loadout)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.vtg.admin.ch/en/einsatzmittel/luft/f5e-tiger.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810001157/https://www.vtg.admin.ch/en/einsatzmittel/luft/f5e-tiger.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 August 2020 |title=F-5E Tiger II |access-date=24 April 2020}}</ref>
***4× [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]] ''or'' 4× [[AIM-120 AMRAAM]] air-to-air missile (F-5S and modernized F-5E)
***4× [[AGM-65 Maverick]] [[air-to-surface missile]]s (on upgraded F-5 after 1995)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.northropgrumman.com/air/f5-tiger/ |title=F-5Tiger Fighter jet - Northrop Grumman |access-date=24 April 2020 |archive-date=8 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408050331/https://www.northropgrumman.com/air/f5-tiger/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
***{{cnspan|[[R-60 (missile)|R-60]], [[R-27 (air-to-air missile)|R-27]], [[R-73 (missile)|R-73]] and other Russian/Chinese AAMs (Iranian ver.)|date=June 2025}}
| hardpoint bombs = A variety of air-to-ground ordnance such as the [[Mark 80|Mark 80 series]] of [[gravity bomb|unguided bomb]]s (including 3&nbsp;kg and 14&nbsp;kg practice bombs), [[CBU-24]]/49/52/58 cluster bomb munitions, [[napalm]] bomb canisters and M129 Leaflet bomb, and laser-guided bombs of [[Paveway]] family.
| hardpoint other = <br />
***up to 3× {{convert|150|/|275|USgal|l impgal|lk=in}} ''Sargent Fletcher'' [[drop tank]]s for ferry flight ''or'' extended range/loitering time.
***1× [[GAU-13|GPU-5/A 30mm cannon pods]] on the centreline station (fitted only on Thai F-5s)
| avionics = *[[Emerson Electric Company|Emerson Electric]] [[AN/APQ-153]] radar on early batch of F-5E<ref name=radar>Parsch, Andreas. [http://www.designation-systems.net/usmilav/jetds/an-apq.html "AN/APQ – Equipment Listing."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612031106/http://designation-systems.net/usmilav/jetds/an-apq.html |date=12 June 2010}} ''Designation-Systems.net,'' 1 July 2007. Retrieved: 5 June 2012.</ref>
*Emerson Electric [[AN/APQ-159]] radar on later production F-5E<ref name=radar/>
*Emerson Electric [[AN/APQ-157]] radar on F-5F<ref>{{cite web |url= http://all-aero.com/index.php/53-planes-l-m-n-o/7416-northrop-f-5-freedom-fighter-n-156f |title= APQ-157 on F-5F |access-date= 8 June 2020 |archive-date= 8 June 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200608162136/http://all-aero.com/index.php/53-planes-l-m-n-o/7416-northrop-f-5-freedom-fighter-n-156f |url-status= dead}}</ref>
*Emerson Electric [[AN/APG-69]] radar on [[US Navy]] F-5N (ex-Swiss Air Force F-5E) aggressors role<ref name=F5Eradars>{{cite web |url= https://thaimilitaryandasianregion.wordpress.com/2016/06/05/f-5e-tiger-ii-f-5t-tigris-of-the-royal-thai-air-force/ |title= USN F-5E |date= 5 June 2016}}</ref>
*[[Leonardo (company)|Leonardo]] Grifo-F radar on Singaporean Air Force upgraded F-5E<ref name=F5Eradars/>
}}

==Notable appearances in media==
<!--===============({{NoMoreCruft}})===============-->
<!-- Please READ [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] and [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Military history#Popular culture]] before adding any "Popular culture" items.

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If your item has been removed, please discuss it on the talk page FIRST. A verifiable source proving the appearance's notability may be required. If a consensus is reached to include your item, a regular editor of this page will add it back. Thank you for your cooperation.-->
<!--===============({{NoMoreCruft}})===============-->
{{main|Aircraft in fiction#F-5 Freedom Fighter.2FTiger II}}
<!--
READ note at top about notability, major roles and look-a-likes before adding anything; take any potentially contentious submissions to the talk page. -->

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation}}
{{Aircontent
|see also=
* [[Grumman X-29]]
|related=
* [[Northrop T-38 Talon]]
* [[Canadair CF-5]]
* [[HESA Azarakhsh]]
* [[HESA Saeqeh]]
* [[HESA Kowsar]]
* [[Northrop F-20 Tigershark]]
* [[Northrop YF-17]]
* [[Shaped Sonic Boom Demonstration]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[Aeritalia G.91]]
* [[Dassault Mirage F1]]
* [[Helwan HA-300]]
* [[McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet]]
* [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21]]
|lists=
* [[List of military aircraft of the United States]]
* [[List of fighter aircraft]]
* [[List of military electronics of the United States]]
}}

==References==

===Notes===
{{Reflist|group=N}}

===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
* {{cite book |last= Auten |first= Donald E. |date= 2008 |title= "Roger Ball!: The Odyssey of John Monroe "Hawk" Smith, Navy Fighter Pilot}}
* {{cite magazine |last= Braybrook |first= Roy |date= March 1982 |title= From Claws to Jaws: Tiger into Tigershark |magazine= [[Air International]] |volume= 22 |issue= 3 |pages= 111–116, 136–138 |issn= 0306-5634}}
* {{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Tom |title=Hot Skies Over Yemen, Volume 1: Aerial Warfare Over the South Arabian Peninsula, 1962-1994 |date=2017 |publisher=Helion & Company Publishing |location=Solihull, UK |isbn=978-1-912174-23-2}}
* {{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Tom |title=Hot Skies Over Yemen, Volume 2: Aerial Warfare Over the South Arabian Peninsula, 1994-2017 |date=2018 |publisher=Helion & Company Publishing |location=Warwick, UK |isbn=978-1-911628-18-7}}
* {{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Tom |last2=Grandolini |first2=Albert |title=Showdown in Western Sahara, Volume 1: Air Warfare over the Last African Colony, 1945-1975 |date=2018 |publisher=Helion & Company Publishing |location=Warwick, UK |isbn=978-1-912390-35-9}}
* {{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Tom |last2=Grandolini |first2=Albert |last3=Fontanellaz |first3=Adrien |title=Showdown in Western Sahara, Volume 2: Air Warfare Over the Last African Colony, 1975-1991 |date=2019 |publisher=Helion & Company Publishing |location=Warwick, UK |isbn=978-1-912866-29-8}}
* Crosby, Francis. ''Fighter Aircraft''. London: Lorenz Books, 2002. {{ISBN|0-7548-0990-0}}.
* "Directory:World Air Forces". ''[[Flight International]]'', 15–21 December 2009. pp.&nbsp;33–53.
* Dorr, Robert F. and David Donald. ''Fighters of the United States Air Force''. London: Aerospace Publishing, 1990. {{ISBN|0-600-55094-X}}.
* Eden, Paul, ed. "Northrop F-5 family". ''Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft''. London: Amber Books, 2004. {{ISBN|1-904687-84-9}}.
* Ford, Daniel. "First Freedoms: Pictorial Tribute to the Ground-breaking Northrop YF-5A". ''[[Air Enthusiast]]'' 105, May/June 2003, pp.&nbsp;8–12. {{ISSN|0143-5450}}
* {{cite magazine |last= Garrison |first= Peter |date= September 2005 |title= White Rocket |magazine= Air and Space Magazine}}
* {{cite book |last= Gervasi |first= Tom |date= 1981 |title= Arsenal of Democracy: American Military Power in the 1980s and the Origins of the New Cold War |volume= II |publisher= Grove Press |isbn= 9780394176628 |url= https://archive.org/details/arsenalofdemocra00gerv/ |url-access= registration |access-date= 28 February 2023}}
* {{cite book |last= Gilcrist |first= Paul T. |date= 1994 |title= Tomcat!: The Grumman F-14 Story}}
* Gordon, Yefim. ''Mikoyan Mig-21''. Hersham, Surrey, UK: [[Ian Allan Publishing]], 2008. {{ISBN|978-1-85780-257-3}}.
* Hammond, Grant T. ''The Mind of War: John Boyd and American Security''. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 2001. {{ISBN|978-1-58834-178-5}}.
* {{cite book |last= Harding |first= Stephen |date= 1990 |title= U.S. Army Aircraft Since 1947 |location= Shrewsbury, UK |publisher= Airlife Publishing |isbn= 1-85310-102-8}}
* Hobson, Chris. ''Vietnam Air Losses, United States Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps Fixed-Wing Aircraft Losses in Southeast Asia 1961–1973.'' 2001, Midland Publishing. {{ISBN|1-85780-115-6}}.
* {{cite magazine |last= Hoyle |first= Craig |date= 2021 |title= World Air Forces 2022 |magazine= [[Flight International]] |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=83735 |access-date= 12 December 2021}}
* {{cite web |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |year=2024 |title=Wold Air Forces 2025 |work=Flight International |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=106507 |access-date=9 March 2025}}
* Jenkins, Dennis R. and Tony R. Landis. ''Experimental & Prototype U.S. Air Force Jet Fighters.'' North Branch, Minnesota, USA: Specialty Press, 2008. {{ISBN|978-1-58007-111-6}}.
* {{cite book |last= Johnsen |first= Frederick A. |date= 2006 |title= Northrop F-5/F-20/T-38 |series= Warbird Tech |volume= 44 |location= North Branch, Minnesota |publisher= Specialty Press |isbn= 1-58007-094-9}}
* Knaack, Marcelle Size. ''Encyclopedia of U.S. Air Force Aircraft and Missile Systems: Volume 1, Post-World War II Fighters, 1945–1973''. Washington, DC: Office of Air Force History, 1978. {{ISBN|0-912799-59-5}}.
* Knott, Chris and Tim Spearman. "Photo Report:Botswana Defence Force". ''International Air Power Review'', Volume 9, Summer 2003, pp.&nbsp;76–79. Norwalk, Connecticut, USA: AIRtime Publishing. {{ISBN|1-880588-56-0}}. {{ISSN|1473-9917}}.
* {{cite book |editor-last= Lake |editor-first= Jon |date= 1998 |title= Grumman F-14 Tomcat: Shipborne Superfighter |publisher= Aerospace Publishing |page= 85}}
* {{cite journal |last1= Lake |first1= Jon |last2= Hewson |first2= Richard |date= Summer 1996 |title= Northrop F-5 |journal= [[World Air Power Journal]] |volume= 25 |location= London |publisher= Aerospace Publishing |pages= 46–109 |isbn= 1-874023-79-4 |issn= 0959-7050}}
* Pace, Steve. ''X-Fighters: USAF Experimental and Prototype Fighters, XP-59 to YF-23''. St. Paul, Minnesota: Motorbooks International, 1991. {{ISBN|0-87938-540-5}}.
* {{cite book |last= Paloque |first= Gerard |date= 2013 |title= Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter and Tiger II |location= Paris |publisher= Histoire & Collections |isbn= 978-2-35250-276-0}}
* Scutts, Jerry. ''Northrop F-5/F-20''. London: [[Ian Allan Publishing]], 1986. {{ISBN|0-7110-1576-7}}.
* Shaw, Robbie. ''F-5: Warplane for the World''. St. Paul, Minnesota: Motorbooks International, 1990. {{ISBN|0-87938-487-5}}.
* [[Pierre Sprey|Sprey, Pierre]]. [http://pogoarchives.org/labyrinth/09/08.pdf "Comparing the Effectiveness of Air-to-Air Fighters: F-86 to F-18"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827043349/http://pogoarchives.org/labyrinth/09/08.pdf |date=27 August 2021}}, April 1982.
* {{cite book |last= Stuart |first= William G. |date= 1978 |title= Northrop F-5 Case Study in Aircraft Design |location= West Falls Church, Virginia |publisher= Northrop Corporation Aircraft Group}}
* {{cite book |last= Thompson |first= Warren |date= 1996 |title= Skoshi Tiger: The Northrop F-5 in Vietnam |series= Wings of Fame |volume= 5 |pages= 4–23 |location= London |publisher= Aerospace Publishing |isbn= 1-874023-90-5 |issn= 1361-2034}}
* {{cite magazine |last= Thompson |first= Warren E. |date= May 2003 |title= Skoshi Tiger: Test and evaluation of the F-5 Freedom Fighter in Vietnam |magazine= [[Air Enthusiast]] |volume= 105 |pages= 13–27 |issn= 0143-5450}}
* Toperczer, Istvan. ''MiG-21 Units of the Vietnam War.'' Osprey 2001, No. 29. {{ISBN|978-1-84176-263-0}}.
* Van Gent, C.J. ''De Northrop NF-5: De geschiedenis van de NF-5 in Nederland''. Alkmaar, Netherlands: Uitgeverij De Alk, 1992. {{ISBN|90-6013-518-0}}.
* {{cite book |last= Wagner |first= Raymond |date= 2000 |title= Mustang Designer: Edgar Schmued and the P-51 |chapter= Chapter 9: Northrop Launches a New Fighter |pages= 192–207 |location= New York |publisher= Orion Books |isbn= 978-1-56098-994-3 |chapter-url= https://archive.org/details/mustangdesignere0000wagn/page/194/ |chapter-url-access= registration |access-date= 28 February 2023}}
* Wilson, David. ''Seek and Strike: 75 Squadron RAAF 1942–2002.'' Maryborough, Australia: Banner, 2002. {{ISBN|1-875593-23-3}}.
* Yeager, Chuck and Leo Janos. ''Yeager: An Autobiography''. New York: Bantam, 1985. {{ISBN|978-0-553-25674-1}}.

==External links==
{{Commons|Northrop F-5}}
*[http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1100&tid=1050&ct=1 U.S. Navy Fact File on F-5N/F adversary aircraft] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080307205706/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1100&tid=1050&ct=1 |date=7 March 2008}}
*[http://www.northropgrumman.com/Capabilities/F5Tiger/Pages/default.aspx F-5 Tiger page on Northrop Grumman site] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511165249/http://www.northropgrumman.com/Capabilities/F5Tiger/Pages/default.aspx |date=11 May 2017 }}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20121012135126/http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2282 F-5 page at the USAF National Museum of the United States Air Force site]

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[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1959]]
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