After the purchase of 24 IAI Kfir C-1s was blocked by the USA because the Kfir used the American-produced J79 jet engine, the Fuerza Aerea Mexicana ordered ten F-5Es and two F-5Fs in 1981. These were delivered between August and November 1984. They featured leading edge fin extensions and had a prominent dorsal antenna spine. These equip 401 Escuadron Aereo de Defensa as part of No 7 Group based at Santa Lucia.
On 16 September 1995, after more than 30 military parade flights without incidents, an F-5E collided in mid-air with three Lockheed T-33s during the military parade for the Independence of Mexico. A total of 10 deaths occurred.
Mexico is in the market for an aircraft to replace its ageing F-5s.
Sources:
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Northrop F-5/F-20, Jerry Scutts, Ian Allan Ltd, 1986.
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F-5: Warplane for the World, Robbie Shaw, Motorbooks, 1990
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Northrop F-5, Jon Lake and Robert Hewson, World Airpower Journal, Vol
25, 1996.
- Northrop F-5, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northrop_F-5#Ethiopia
