The Canadair CF-5A is an American light jet fighter that was manufactured under license in Canada. When the F-5A entered serial production, the Canadian Air Force became interested in acquiring a new fighter jet to replace the CF-104 and the CF-101. Among the many candidates, the F-5 was the only one that did not meet Canadian requirements. However, it was decided that it would be adopted for service with modifications. A higher nose landing gear was installed, the navigation system was improved, the engines were modified, and the ability to install an aerial refueling probe was added. The weapons could also be replaced with four reconnaissance cameras. Production began in 1969, and a total of 240 aircraft were produced. Canada decommissioned the aircraft in 1995, but Botswana and Turkey still operate them today.

In the 1960s, the Dutch Air Force sought to replace its outdated F-84F fighter jets and T-33 trainer aircraft. The government soon concluded a deal with Canadair to purchase single-seat CF-5A and two-seat CF-5D aircraft, which were designated NF-5A and NF-5B, respectively. The first aircraft were delivered to the Netherlands in October 1969, and deliveries continued until March 1972. A total of 105 aircraft of both models were delivered. The aircraft remained in service until 1991, after which they were sold to Turkey, Greece, and Venezuela.

The Dutch NF-5A was introduced in Update 2.47 "Leviathans", in the French aviation research tree. The fighter resembles its American counterpart, the F-5A, in many ways: it is maneuverable and durable but has a low flight speed. However, it differs from the American version in its armament; instead of the AIM-9E, it is equipped with AIM-9J and AIM-9N air-to-air missiles.