The predominant fighter of the Western nations during the 1950s was the North American F-86 Sabre. It’s superb performance during the Korean War put it at the top of the “shopping list” of every NATO nation, as well as other Western allied powers.
Supplies of F-86s to Europe began in 1952, with US made aircraft quickly being joined by Canadair models. At one point the first line fighter force of every NATO nation was made up of F-86s and gave NATO a fighter arm that would have been a very tough opponent had a conflict between NATO and the Warsaw pact occurred.
The NATO OperatorsBelgium Like many NATO nations Belgium received F86s under MDAP. 50 Sabre 4s were supplied in 1954. The Sabres 4 served until replaced by Hunters from 1956. Under the terms of MDAP the Sabres returned to US control, but it was agreed the type could be transferred to the Belgian Congo for advanced training duties. In the Congo the Sabres would see combat, being used against rebel forces and mutineers as the Belgians attempted to withdraw from the Congo. The last Belgian Sabre 4 was retired in 1960.
Belgium Alongside its fleet of Sabre 4s Belgium also operated the F86K. These served in the interceptor role from 1956 until the mid 1960s, when they were replaced by F104s
Canada Canadair were developing a radar equipped version of the Sabre for RCAF use, but delays in the program saw the RCAF borrow 40 F86D from the USAF in 1954 as an interim solution. They served in the interceptor role alongside the larger CF100 until replaced by the domestically designed Sabre Mk 8. After retirement, the RCAF looked to return the F86Ds, but the USAF were not interested. They were sold to Canada at $1 each and would be used by the RCAF for trials and evaluations for a number of years. Most were finally converted to drone operations and expended as targets for air to air and surface to air missile tests.
Canada During WW2 the RCAF had operated a variety of recce aircraft, but most were returned to the RAF or retired by the late 1940s. As the Canadair Sabre project gathered momentum, a recce version was suggested, with the RCAF ordering 24 recce aircraft. These used a similar package to the US designed RF86, featuring the same bulges and panniers. They served with the RCAF until 1963, being replaced by recce equipped CF104s
Canada Canadair planned an all weather radar equipped version of the Sabre, similar to the F-86D used by the USAF. For the Sabre Mk 8 Canadair liaised with Fiat, which would lead to a finalised Canadian design, which essentially married the wings and engine of the Sabre 6 with the fuselage, weapons and radar of the F-86K. Entering service with the RCAF in 1955, the Sabre Mk8s served with 6 squadrons, initially all based in Canada, but later 2 units were deployed to Europe alongside the standard Sabre Mk6s and the larger CF-100s. With the coming of the CF-104 and the CF-101 the Mk 8s were phased out of service.
Denmark The Royal Danish Air Force received 60 Sabre 4s, supplied under MDAP to supplement the F84 Thunderjets in RDAF service. They were replaced by F100 Super Sabres from 1959
France Following a large fire at the Dassault plant, deliveries of Ouragans and Mysteres were seriously delayed. To remedy this 100 Sabre 4s were supplied under MDAP funds beginning in 1954. These served with the Armee De L'Aire until the early 1960s, when most were retired and later passed on to France's former colonial possessions.
Netherlands The obsolescence of the Meteor fleet led the Dutch to request Sabres as a replacement. Under MDAP they received 40 “interim” Sabre 4s, which were followed by 60 Sabre 6s, all from Canadair. The Sabres replaced the older Metoer F4s and supplemented the F.8s and F-84Es in service. The Sabres were also used by the Team Oranje aerobatic display team for a number of years. In metropolitan service the Sabre were replaced by Hunter but were passed on for service in Dutch New Guinea, where they briefly clashed with Indonesian forces, as well as serving in Dutch Guiana. The last Dutch Sabre 6 was retired at Hato air base in 1967.
United Kingdom A shortfall in interceptor strength forced the RAF to "borrow" 50 Sabre Ks from NATO stocks. These served from 1955 until 1960 with 4 squadrons, being replaced by new Lightnings. After RAF service the Sabre Ks were passed to Italy.
United Kingdom As part of its modernisation program, the RAF received 40 Sabre FR6s in 1955. These served with 208 Squadron, replacing the aging Meteor FR9. They were replaced in turn by Supermarine Swift FR5s in 1957
