Photos: French aerobatic jets fly over New York for US Independence Day
Patrouille de France coloured the skyline red, white and blue as it flew over the Statue of Liberty to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence
The jets painted the skyline with the French tricolour in honour of the long-lasting alliance between the two countries. They also led flyovers above the Statue of Liberty
Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB/Shutterstock/Armée de l'Air/X
France’s national aerobatics jet group capped off their recent US tour with a dazzling display in New York, taking part in celebrations of the country’s 250th anniversary of independence.
The ‘Patrouille de France’ left streams of red, white and blue across New York and the Hudson River – the colours of both the French and US flags – dominating the city’s iconic skyline.
It was part of wider celebrations in New York for the ‘Sail4th 250’ event, marking US independence with the largest gathering of US and international vessels to create a global fleet.
Impressive images of the fly-by can be seen below.
The Patrouille de France, a jet aerobatics team composed of French Air Force officers, has been performing across the US as part of a rare international tour.
The ‘Liberté 250’ tour aims to mark the close relationship between the US and France, with the latter supporting the fledgling nation in its war for independence against the British, and marking France as the US’ ‘oldest ally’.
Alongside flyovers at air shows, the aerobatics team passed above the Statue of Liberty twice, on June 9 (the start of the tour) and again on July 1.
The statue, a gift from France to the US in 1886, was used for the first time as a venue and site of a spectacle during independence celebrations and again chosen to highlight the links between the two countries.
French DJ Michael Canitrot performed a 15-minute music and lighting show from the iconic landmark, the first of its kind.
The Patrouille de France has now returned to France, and will prepare for its role in leading off the July 14 parade in Paris.
