Organisers of this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire are planning to continue their strong links with NATO by staging celebrations marking the organisation’s 60th anniversary.

Among the member states and partner nations already committed to demonstrating the Alliance’s air power on July 18-19 are Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, the US and the UK. They, along with many others, will send aircraft representing the wide variety of tasks NATO performs. Since it was established in the early 1970s, the Air Tattoo has prided itself on being a meeting place for NATO countries, giving visiting aircrew and military chiefs the opportunity to come together and exchange ideas.

In recognition of the valuable role that the Air Tattoo performs in developing this spirit of co-operation, friendship and integration, member states and aspiring member states have been keen to participate in the airshow’s thrilling tributes marking the Alliance’s key anniversaries. Indeed, in 1999, all 19 NATO member countries were represented at RAF Fairford for the Alliance’s 50th anniversary.

The NATO link is strengthened further by the fact that in 1999, the United States Air Force operated from the Cotswolds’ base during Operation Allied Force – the NATO air campaign in Kosovo. Among aircraft from NATO countries already confirmed for July are B-52 and B-1 bombers from the US Air Force and heavylift transporters including the C-17, C-5 and C-130. Fast jet displays will include the Typhoon (RAF), JAS-C39 Gripen (Swedish Air Force) and the F-18 Hornet (Spanish Air Force).

Joining them will be two of the world’s most exciting aerobatic display teams: the legendary Red Arrows and the Italian Frecce Tricolori.

Special cut-price tickets for the Air Tattoo are available until March 31, priced £30.95. Under-16s go free. For more details and for regular updates on participating aircraft, visit airtattoo.com ENDS February 23, 2009