The Patrouille de France put on a spectacular display over New York on June 9 as part of the “Liberté 250” mission, organized to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence.
What a sight it was. The French Air Force aerobatic team performed a historic flyover of the Statue of Liberty, leaving trails of blue, white, and red across the sky. The French Alpha Jets created a striking image above the iconic monument that France gifted to the United States in 1886, highlighting the enduring friendship between the two nations.
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“Flying over the Statue of Liberty is something I never imagined I would experience in my life,” said Commander Brice, leader of the Patrouille de France. “We represent French aviators, but also France as a whole on American soil.”
After a journey of more than 6,000 kilometers from Salon-de-Provence, the Patrouille de France also flew over key landmarks in American history, including the United States Military Academy at West Point and Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
The “Liberté 250” mission, which runs until July 5, involves 85 French airmen and an A400M Atlas transport aircraft. The operation pays tribute to more than two centuries of cooperation and friendship between France and the United States through a series of air displays and historical commemorations.
La Patrouille de France a offert un spectacle exceptionnel dans le ciel de New York. Les avions de voltige français ont survolé la Statue de la Liberté sous les yeux de milliers de spectateurs. #JT20h pic.twitter.com/X2qc5poVRq
— Le20h-France Télévisions (@le20hfrancetele) June 9, 2026
