F-5A is a low cost fighter project developed in the 1960’s that could be supplied under the Military Assistance Program for distribution to less-developed nations.

Northrop obtained the first F-5A overseas order in 1964, at the same time, a new nose design to accommodate an aerial camera for reconnaissance was under development. The new variant with camera was known as the RF-5A, equipped with four KS-92 auto exposure aerial cameras and a cart accommodating 100 feet films. In addition to reconnaissance capability, 2 M39 20mm cannons were retained.

By end of 1970, more advanced F-5E’s had replaced the F-5A’s. The camera nose was also adopted, becoming the RF-5E. It accommodated the KS-121A camera which used 70mm film and saw service in the Saudi Arabian Air Force.

In the meantime, Northrop started to develop a new camera nose to accommodate lager aerial cameras, such as the KS-78B which is able to set focus to 3 inch, 6 inch, 12 inch and 18 inch, adopting 5 x 500 films. the new RF-5E is 20 cm longer than the standard F-5E, therefore a ballast is fitted in the aft fuselage.

The RF-5E completed test flights in 1979 and orders were received from Saudi Arab, Malaysia, Singapore and the Republic of China (Taiwan) air forces.