Yorkshire.com Editorial Team
Published on July 24th, 2026
•Royal Mail has recently unveiled a special set of stamps that celebrate the remarkable history of military jet aircraft in the UK. This collection, titled "Icons of the Skies," features some of the most iconic jet-powered planes that have played a significant role in British aviation. The stamps are available for pre-order starting from 23 July 2026, with general sales beginning on 30 July 2026.
Special Stamps Collection
The new set includes a total of eight stamps, each depicting different military jets that have made their mark in history.
These stamps highlight key anniversaries in 2026, including:
50 years since the Hawker Siddeley Hawk entered service
70 years since the Gloster Javelin and Avro Vulcan entered service
80 years since the de Havilland Vampire entered service
In addition to the main set, there are four more stamps presented in a miniature sheet, which pay tribute to the legacy of Sir Frank Whittle, the pioneering inventor of the jet engine, marking the 30th anniversary of his passing.
Featured Aircraft
The stamps showcase a variety of aircraft, including:
Avro Vulcan B2
Gloster Javelin FAW9
Hawker Siddeley Hawk T1
Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II
Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer S2B
De Havilland Vampire FB5
Panavia Tornado GR4
Gloster Meteor F1
Each stamp features stunning illustrations, including a newly commissioned artwork of the Gloster Meteor F1, created by aviation artist Chris French.
Sir Frank Whittle's Contribution
Sir Frank Whittle is celebrated for his groundbreaking development of the jet propulsion engine. His vision began when he was just 21 years old at RAF College Cranwell in 1928. He patented his ideas and founded Power Jets Ltd, which led to the creation of the Whittle Unit, the first turbojet engine successfully tested on 12 April 1937. This innovation laid the foundation for modern aviation, allowing for faster and more efficient military and commercial aircraft.
David Gold, the Director of External Affairs and Policy at Royal Mail, expressed pride in showcasing these aircraft:
“Britain has a proud history of aviation innovation, and these stamps showcase some of the military jet aircraft that have played a significant role in that story.”
Whittle’s son, Ian Whittle, also shared his thoughts:
“I am delighted that Royal Mail is celebrating this extraordinary legacy with a set of stamps. It is a fitting tribute not only to my father's pioneering achievements but also to the generations of engineers, designers, and aviators who helped shape Britain's world-leading contribution to aviation.”
Milestones in Military Aviation
The development of military jet aircraft transformed how air forces operate. The first jet fighter for the RAF was the Gloster Meteor F1, introduced in 1944, capable of speeds up to 415 mph (668 km/h). Today, the F-35B Lightning II can reach speeds over 1,200 mph (1,931 km/h), showcasing the incredible advancements in technology over the years.
The stamps not only celebrate the aircraft but also the engineers and pilots who contributed to their success. The collaboration between Royal Mail and the Ministry of Defence helped highlight the importance of these aircraft in the UK's military history.
