French ‘Red Arrows’ taking part in rare US tour this summer
Aeronautical group will make appearances at several sites and airshows
Eight principal jets, two replacements, and an A400M Atlas air transport will participate, with 85 French pilots flying the aircraft
Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace
Residents in America can look to the skies for a treat this summer, as the acrobatic ‘Patrouille de France’ embark on a rare US tour.
The group, made up of pilots from the French Air and Space Force and seen as France’s equivalent to the British Red Arrows, will bring their show to several destinations across the eastern US coast as part of the ‘Liberté 250’ tour, taking place from June 8 to July 4.
While the full list of appearances is yet to be officially confirmed, this will include at major summer air shows, iconic War of Independence battlefields, and major landmarks including the Statue of Liberty and Philadelphia’s Independence Hall.
The tour will culminate with the Patrouille de France participating in an air and naval parade and wider July 4 (Independence Day) celebrations in New York.
Eight principal jets, two replacements, and an A400M Atlas air transport will participate, with 85 French pilots flying the aircraft.
The main jets will be kitted out with a unique livery that includes a US Stars-and-Stripes flag on one of the tail wings.
World Cup flyover?
The tour marks the 250th anniversary of the United States, with the show highlighting the close links between the two nations.
It is the first US tour from the group since 2017, which itself marked the group’s first appearance in the US for 31 years.
“In the 18th century, France and the United States established a unique relationship (...) which would be sealed in the blood shed for liberty during the War of Independence, but also in the centuries that followed,” said brigade commander General Pierre Gaudillière about the tour, quoted in TF1.
Despite a somewhat souring of relations between the two countries since President Donald Trump began his second term in office, the tour looks to reiterate the lasting friendship between the nations.
“The first American military aviators wore French uniforms,” Mr Gaudillière added.
Part of the tour coincides with the 2026 Fifa World Cup, and the French pilots may surprise the national team while there.
“It's not out of the question that we might try to fly over the French national team during a match,” the general added, without giving further details.
