On March 25, 2025, two Alpha Jets from the French Air Force’s Patrouille de France collided during a training exercise near Saint-Dizier, Eastern France. Three individuals, including two pilots and one passenger, successfully ejected and are currently receiving medical care.
- Collision of French Air Force jets reported
- Three individuals ejected and receiving care
- Incident occurred during training near Saint-Dizier
- One aircraft crashed into a silo
- Patrouille de France is a renowned display team
- No ground casualties reported from the incident
The Patrouille de France is the elite aerobatic display team of the French Air and Space Force, known for its impressive aerial performances. The team has been flying the Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet since 1981 and is famous for its participation in national events such as Bastille Day celebrations. This incident occurred during routine display rehearsals, highlighting the risks associated with aerobatic training.
Key details of the incident include:
- Location: Near Air Base 113, approximately 4 kilometers west of Saint-Dizier.
- Aircraft involved: Two Alpha Jets from the Patrouille de France.
- Outcome: Three individuals ejected and were found conscious.
- Damage: One jet collided with a silo, igniting a fire; the other landed in a nearby canal.
Emergency services were promptly mobilized following the collision. France’s Armed Forces Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, confirmed the incident via social media, stating that the pilots and the passenger are receiving appropriate medical care. Fortunately, there have been no reported casualties on the ground, despite the fire caused by the crash.
This incident underscores the inherent risks associated with aerobatic training and the importance of safety measures. As investigations continue, further details will emerge regarding the circumstances surrounding the collision.
