The Patrouille de France flies over the Statue of Liberty for America's 250th anniversary

Eight Alpha Jets from the Patrouille de France performed a spectacular flyover of the Statue of Liberty in New York City on Tuesday, June 9. This aerial operation, described as exceptional and extremely rare by authorities, was part of the celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. The French aircraft crisscrossed the New York sky before thousands of spectators, offering a visible testament to the historic friendship between France and the United States.

A symbol of Franco-American friendship

The demonstration carries strong symbolic weight. The Statue of Liberty, a gift from France to the United States in 1886, has embodied the special ties between the two nations for over a century. The choice of this iconic monument as the backdrop for the Patrouille de France flyover is therefore far from insignificant. The event celebrates both American independence and the Franco-American bilateral relationship, forged during the Revolutionary War.

The eight Alpha jets performed their aerial display under complex technical conditions, requiring special permits to operate over an urban area as dense as Manhattan. This operation is part of a series of celebrations planned throughout 2026 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The French presence at these festivities underscores Paris's commitment to maintaining a strategic partnership with Washington.