In the twilight of its career the NF-5 became a performer for the crowds. Due to the 75th anniversary of the Dutch Air Force the display team "Double Dutch" was formed. The display was flown by a pair of NF-5's.
After the F-104 was withdrawn from use the NF-5 had to take over the quick reaction alert duties until the F-16 became operational. Armed with live Sidewinders suddenly the NF-5 looked like a real fighter.