Patrouille de France Resumes Training After March Crash
On April 15, 2025, the Patrouille de France, the celebrated aerobatic team of the French Air and Space Force, officially resumed training following a dramatic mid-air collision in March. The incident, which saw two of their Alpha Jets crash during a rehearsal near Saint-Dizier, had briefly grounded the elite squad, but their return to the skies signals a determined push forward as they prepare for a busy summer season.
The team, a longstanding symbol of French aviation excellence, wasted no time getting back to work, buoyed by the fact that both pilots and a passenger from the crash ejected safely and are on the mend. With their signature precision and flair, the Patrouille de France is now focused on reclaiming the skies and thrilling aviation enthusiasts across Europe in the months ahead.
Patrouille de France / Jesolo Airshow 2023
The Patrouille de France has been a fixture in the world of aerobatics since 1953, evolving from a modest group of pilots into one of the most respected demonstration teams globally. Flying their sleek Alpha Jets since 1981, they’ve become known for tight formations, daring maneuvers, and those unmistakable trails of blue, white, and red smoke that paint the sky in the colors of the French flag. For aviation buffs, their performances are a masterclass in skill and coordination, honed over decades of tradition and countless hours of practice. The team’s role goes beyond entertainment—they’re ambassadors for the French Air and Space Force, showcasing the nation’s aeronautical prowess to the world.
That reputation was put to the test on March 25, 2025, when disaster struck during a routine training session near Air Base 113 in Saint-Dizier. Two Alpha Jets collided mid-air while rehearsing a six-aircraft formation, a moment captured in jarring video footage that spread quickly online. One jet slammed into a silo at a nearby industrial site, igniting a fire, while the other plunged into a canal. Against the odds, the outcome was as good as it could have been—no one on the ground was harmed, and the three crew members, two pilots and a passenger, ejected successfully. Found conscious but injured, they were swiftly attended to and are now recovering. French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu commended the rapid response of emergency services, and the team paused operations to regroup and reassess.
The crash was a rare stumble for a team known for its meticulous preparation. Training is the backbone of the Patrouille de France’s success, a grueling process that occupies much of their year. Winter months are spent perfecting routines at their base in Salon-de-Provence, where pilots drill every twist, turn, and crossover until it’s second nature. This isn’t just about looking good—it’s about safety and precision, ensuring that each performance is as flawless as it is breathtaking. The March incident disrupted that rhythm, but not for long. By mid-April, the team was back in the air, flying eight jets strong, a testament to their resolve. In a statement posted to their social media, they declared, “The mission continues. Patrouille de France resumes flights at 8, welded, determined, and more united than ever. The summer season is approaching, and we can’t wait to meet you again. We’ll tell you more soon.” It’s a message that’s struck a chord with fans, highlighting the grit and camaraderie that define the group.
With training back underway, the focus now shifts to the summer season, when the Patrouille de France takes its show on the road. While their full calendar for 2025 hasn’t been released yet, the team is already confirmed for several standout events. In France, they’ll perform at various airshows, delighting home audiences with their aerial artistry. Abroad, they’re set to appear at Aire 25 in Spain in June and the Bucharest International Airshow in Romania in August, both of which are must-see dates for aviation enthusiasts. The full schedule is expected to drop soon, and if past seasons are any indication, it’ll be packed with opportunities to catch the team in action. These performances aren’t just displays of skill—they’re a chance for the Patrouille de France to reconnect with their audience after a challenging spring, proving that they’re as sharp and spirited as ever.
For a team with such a storied history, setbacks like the March crash are part of the journey. They’ve faced hurdles before and come out stronger, each incident sharpening their focus and reinforcing their commitment. The Alpha Jets may have taken a hit, but the spirit of the Patrouille de France is unbroken. As they gear up for summer, they’re not just rebuilding—they’re reasserting their place among the world’s top aerobatic teams. For the legions of fans who know their loops from their rolls, the months ahead promise a front-row seat to a comeback that’s been months in the making.
