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1987 Air Force Patch NATO Skyshield 87 RAF Fairford IAT
$26.99
RAF NATO Skyshield IAT Royal Air Force Patch from the International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in 1987
This RAF NATO Skyshield IAT Patch is fully embroidered cut edge 121mm by 90mm four and three quarter inches by three and one half inches.
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Patch Details
- Event: International Air Tattoo (IAT)
- Theme: Skyshield ’87
- Location: RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, England
- Dates: 18–19 July 1987
- Sponsor: Sunday Express
- Construction: Embroidered on twill with a merrowed edge
This original Skyshield ’87 patch commemorates the International Air Tattoo (IAT) held at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, England, on 18–19 July 1987. During the Cold War, the International Air Tattoo had become one of the world’s leading military aviation events, attracting aircraft and crews from NATO and allied air forces.
The theme “Skyshield ’87” celebrated the continuing evolution of air defence. The artwork depicts three iconic fighter aircraft representing different eras of military aviation. The modern McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle symbolises NATO’s frontline air superiority capability during the Cold War, while the Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire honour the Royal Air Force’s Battle of Britain heritage. Together, they illustrate more than four decades of fighter development and the enduring importance of protecting Allied airspace.
Produced in limited numbers for the event, original Skyshield ’87 patches have become highly collectible among RAF Fairford, Royal Air Force, USAF, NATO and International Air Tattoo collectors. They capture a period when the Air Tattoo was firmly established as one of the world’s premier military aviation exhibitions.
This patch dates from 1987.
Review the RAF Operation Exercises Collection
RAF NATO Skyshield IAT Royal Air Force Patch from the International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in 1987
This RAF NATO Skyshield IAT Patch is fully embroidered cut edge 121mm by 90mm four and three quarter inches by three and one half inches.
Free Shipping
This original Skyshield ’87 patch commemorates the International Air Tattoo (IAT) held at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, England, on 18–19 July 1987. During the Cold War, the International Air Tattoo had become one of the world’s leading military aviation events, attracting aircraft and crews from NATO and allied air forces.
The theme “Skyshield ’87” celebrated the continuing evolution of air defence. The artwork depicts three iconic fighter aircraft representing different eras of military aviation. The modern McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle symbolises NATO’s frontline air superiority capability during the Cold War, while the Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire honour the Royal Air Force’s Battle of Britain heritage. Together, they illustrate more than four decades of fighter development and the enduring importance of protecting Allied airspace.
The patch also reflects the close cooperation between the Royal Air Force, the United States Air Force and NATO partners. RAF Fairford was one of Europe’s most important Cold War air bases, regularly hosting Strategic Air Command bomber deployments, tanker operations, multinational exercises and the annual International Air Tattoo.
The Sunday Express logo acknowledges the newspaper’s sponsorship of the 1987 event, a common feature of International Air Tattoo patches during the 1980s.
Produced in limited numbers for the event, original Skyshield ’87 patches have become highly collectible among RAF Fairford, Royal Air Force, USAF, NATO and International Air Tattoo collectors. They capture a period when the Air Tattoo was firmly established as one of the world’s premier military aviation exhibitions.
Patch Details
- Event: International Air Tattoo (IAT)
- Theme: Skyshield ’87
- Location: RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, England
- Dates: 18–19 July 1987
- Sponsor: Sunday Express
- Construction: Embroidered on twill with a merrowed edge.
This patch dates from 1987.
Review the RAF Operation Exercises Collection
Review the RAF Squadron Crests