Zeltweg, Austria – The Austrian Air Force has unveiled its latest Eurofighter Typhoon in a striking new “Tiger” design, aptly named the “Grey Tiger.” This newly adorned aircraft made its maiden flight at the Hinterstoisser Air Base in Zeltweg, heralding a new chapter for the Austrian Armed Forces. The Grey Tiger will be prominently featured at the upcoming Airpower Zeltweg airshow on the 6th and 7th of September, 2024.

The Grey Tiger, a Eurofighter from the 2. Squadron/Fighter Wing (2. Staffel), stands out with its unique design, characterized by a primarily grey colour accented with red-white-red facets, symbolizing Austria’s national colours. This design is not just a random aesthetic choice but reflects Austria’s proud membership in the international “Tiger Association,” a coalition of NATO air forces all of which have a tiger as part of their squadron crest.

The creative minds behind this new design are Staff Sergeant Christian Erhart and Lieutenant Colonel Michael Kirchner, both esteemed members of the Federal Army. Erhart, a military aircraft technician and renowned airbrush artist in the region, and Kirchner, who serves in the surveillance squadron, collaborated to bring this vision to life. Their artistry will be on full display at the Airpower event in September, where aviation enthusiasts can admire the Grey Tiger up close.

In addition to the Grey Tiger, the Austrian Air Force boasts two other Eurofighter Typhoons with special tiger tail designs, namely the 7L-WA and 7L-WD. These aircraft are also part of the 2. Staffel, which has a storied history dating back to its establishment in 1976. The squadron was formed through the merger of the Jet School Squadron Zeltweg and the Fighter Bomber Squadron Graz-Thalerhof.

A significant milestone for the 2. Staffel was the introduction of the Saab S-35OE “Draken” in 1987, marking Austria’s entry into the supersonic age. Following the retirement of the Draken in 2005, the squadron temporarily operated 12 Northrop F-5E “Tiger II” aircraft leased from Switzerland. This stop-gap measure ended in 2008, after which the Eurofighter Typhoon became the mainstay of Austria’s air surveillance capabilities.

The Surveillance Wing, which includes bases in Zeltweg and Linz-Hörsching, has since relied on the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Saab 105OE to maintain the sovereignty of Austrian airspace. With the retirement of the Saab 105OE at the end of 2020, the Eurofighter Typhoon, operated by the 2. Staffel, remains the sole jet aircraft responsible for protecting Austrian skies.

In 2021, the 2. Staffel achieved another milestone by becoming a Probationary Member of the NATO Tiger Association and later becoming a full member, further cementing its role in international aviation circles. The introduction of the Grey Tiger is not just a testament to the squadron’s rich heritage but also a symbol of its ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation in air defence.

As anticipation builds for the Airpower Zeltweg airshow, the Grey Tiger stands as a proud representation of Austria’s aviation prowess and its enduring spirit within the global Tiger community. The event promises to be a spectacular showcase of military aviation, with the Grey Tiger poised to be one of its star attractions.

Find out more about Airpower Zeltweg 2024 by clicking here