NATO OTAN Patches & ISAF Insignia

NATO AWACS Patches & E-3A Sentry Insignia (8)

NATO AWACS Patches & E-3A Sentry Insignia This category features a range of NATO AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) patches and insignia, including items associated with the E-3A Sentry aircraft and NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control Force (NAEW&C). NATO AWACS aircraft provide airborne surveillance, command and control, and airspace coordination for alliance operations. Their distinctive radar dome and multinational crews make them one of the most recognisable NATO aviation assets. Browse below for NATO AWACS patches, including squadron insignia, mission patches, and unit badges. NATO AWACS and the E-3A Sentry The NATO AWACS fleet is based around the Boeing E-3A Sentry, a modified aircraft equipped with a rotating radar dome that provides long-range detection and tracking of aircraft. Operated by the NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control Force (NAEW&C), these aircraft are typically based at Geilenkirchen Air Base (Germany), with forward operating locations across Europe. AWACS aircraft play a key role in:
- Airspace surveillance
- Command and control operations
- NATO air policing missions
- Support to coalition operations
Collecting NATO AWACS Patches NATO AWACS patches are highly collectible due to:
- Their multinational nature
- Unique unit and mission designs
- Association with specialised aircraft
- Limited production runs for exercises and deployments
Collectors often seek patches linked to specific missions, squadrons, or deployments involving the E-3A fleet.
NATO Command Patches Allied Air Command Combined Air Operations Centre (4)

NATO Command Patches Allied Air Command AIRCOM Combined Air Operations Centre CAOC Headquarters HQ

Allied Air Command (AIRCOM), the central command for NATO air and space forces, is headquartered at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. It is responsible for planning, executing, and directing NATO air operations across Europe, including air policing and ballistic missile defense.

Subordinate Commands: Three Combined Air Operations Centres (CAOCs) located at:
- Uedem, Germany
- Torrejón, Spain
- Bodø, Norway
Deployable Capability: The Deployable Air Command and Control Centre (DAC) in Poggio Renatico, Italy, provides rapidly deployable air command capabilities

Collectors often seek patches linked to specific individual NATO Air Forces, location and type of Commands , era of items dating back to 1950 and specialised wings, squadrons, or units supporting the Commands.
NATO Patches Air Training programmes (2)

NATO Patches Air Training programmes insignia, including items associated with NATO Flying and Aircrew Training from the NATO Air Training Plan in Canada 1950 to 1958 the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program (ENJJPT) from 1981 in the United States and the NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) program operational from 1998.

Collectors often seek patches linked to specific individual NATO Air Forces, location of training, type of training, era of the training dating back to 1950 and courses as well as specialised wings, squadrons, or units providing the training.
NATO Exercise Patches (1)

NATO Exercises Patches

Early NATO Exercises (1951–1960s): Following the appointment of US General Dwight D. Eisenhower as the first Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) in 1950, NATO began conducting its first integrated exercises in 1951 to ensure collective defense.

REFORGER Exercises (1970s-1980s): Part of the "Autumn Forge" exercises, the Return of Forces to Germany (REFORGER) series was developed to test the ability of North American members to quickly reinforce Europe, training for rapid deployment scenarios.

Exercise Red Flag (1975–Present): Hosted by the USAF at Nellis AFB and Eielson AFB, Red Flag provides advanced aerial combat training that frequently includes NATO partners to refine joint tactics.

Collecting NATO Exercises Patches

NATO Exercise patches are highly collectible due to:
- Their multinational nature
- Unique units and mission designs
- Association with specialised aircraft
- Limited production runs for courses and missions
Collectors often seek patches linked to specific individual NATO Air Forces, location and type of Exercises, era of the exercise dating back to 1951 as well as specialised wings, squadrons, or units providing the Exercises.
NATO Tiger Meet Patches (9)

NATO Tiger Meet Patches

Established by USAFE 79th TFS and RAF No 74 Fighter Squadron. First Tiger Meet 1961 for NATO Squadrons with a Tiger in thier emblems

Brief History

Initially social gatherings between USAFE 79th Tactical Fighter Squadron and RAF No 74 Fighter Squadron evolved to an operational exchange in 1960. As a result of both Squadrons emblems incorporating a tiger’s head 79^th TFS and No 74 Squadron agreed to holding a "Tiger Meet" at RAF Woodbridge in 1961. Consequently 79^th TFSs Mike Dugan began identifying other USAFE and European Air Forces Squadrons with tiger emblems.

Subsequently Escadron de Chasse 01.012 Cambresis joined 79th TFS and No 74 Squadron for the first Tiger Meet on 19 and 20 July 1961. The Meet included a flying program and conferences to discuss NATO operational activities. Air crews and ground crews attended receptions and dinners. SHAPE Air Deputy General Anderson was guest of honor at the final banquet. During the event General Anderson summerised the aims of the Tiger Meet as:
- the promotion of NATO solidarity,
- the achievement and maintenance of firmer professional relationships amongst NATO personnel
- and the creation of better understanding of NATO military objectives and problems.
After that Mike Dugan sent further invitations to his list of Tiger Squadrons.

As a result eight Tiger Squadrons presented at the next Tiger Meet at RAF Woodbridge 22–25 August 1962. The Association agreed to rotate Tiger Meets to other Tiger Squadron bases. The 1963 meet was alocated to Belgium Air Force 31 Smaldeel at Kleine Brogel AB.

Silver Tiger Trophy

The NATO Tiger Association began awarding the Silver Tiger Trophy at the 1977 Tiger Meet at RAF Greenham Common. The Trophy goes to the Squadron that best demonstrates superior professionalism, flying expertise, and most importantly "Tiger Spirit". The First award was to RCAF 439 Tactical Fighter Squadron. The winning Squadron is chosen at the end of every Tiger Meet with the trophy remaining with them until the next Tiger Meet.

2025

In 2025 the NATO Tiger Association had:
- 24 full member,
- 9 honorary members,
- 1 probationary member,
- 8 disbanded members and
- 4 former members.