French aerobatic team stages flypast over New York for US anniversary

Updated: 02/07/2026 - 18:14 GMT+2

Patrouille de France flies over New York with Alpha Jets and coloured smoke during celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence.

The French Air and Space Force's Patrouille de France performs a flypast over New York, with Alpha Jets flying in close formation above Manhattan and Central Park.

The video shows the aircraft passing the city's skyline, pilots inside their cockpits and one jet trailing red, white and blue smoke. The display takes place under clear morning skies as the team carries out a series of precision manoeuvres over the city.

The flypast formed part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence.

The aerobatic team flew over the New York area in tribute to the long-standing ties between France and the United States.