On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, a serious accident unfolded in the skies above Saint-Dizier, Haute-Marne, when two Alpha Jet aircraft of the Patrouille de France collided during a training exercise. This incident occurred around 15:45 local time, near the BA113 airbase, creating a chaotic scene that drew immediate emergency responses.
The two Alpha Jets, part of a six-aircraft formation in a four-day training mission, reportedly collided as they descended towards the ground. Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed the situation, tweeting, "An accident involving two Alpha Jets of the Patrouille de France during rehearsals just occurred in eastern France. Emergency services are mobilized, and coordination is ensured between @Interior_Gouv and @Armees_Gouv." Thankfully, the three pilots onboard—two in one aircraft and one in the other—managed to eject safely and were later found conscious.
According to statements from the Haute-Marne prefecture, the pilots were located shortly after the crash and were reported as unharmed. At about 16:20, they were medically assessed and transported to local hospitals, where they remain under observation due to minor injuries from their ejection procedures. The prefect of Haute-Marne, Régine Pam, highlighted during a press briefing that there were no civilian casualties and commended the quick response of emergency services on the ground.
Initial reports from witnesses describe an alarming scene. Damien, who was driving nearby, told France 3, “I saw the two planes touch each other. One dove down, and I saw two parachutes—I don't know if they came from the same plane. A piece of wing broke off before the aircraft crashed onto a factory.” His account aligns with the visuals that surfaced on social media showing thick plumes of smoke rising after the impact, startling many local residents.
Following the crash, a fire broke out at the nearby cement factory, affecting the facility's silo, but responders quickly extinguished the blaze. Pam remarked on the incident, stating, “There are no casualties reported on either side, neither for the pilots nor on the ground.” She emphasized that all debris must be reported to authorities, indicating the importance of securing the crash site for investigation.
As the operational context unfolded, footage uploaded to platforms displayed the shock and intensity of the crash. The paramilitary garrison was thick with police and firefighting personnel, who secured the area and sifted through remnants of the aircraft, which crashed in two separate locations: one on the cement factory and the other near a marshy area.
Eyewitnesses have shared that the Patrouille de France had been performing dazzling aerial maneuvers above Saint-Dizier for over thirty minutes before the unfortunate collision, indicative of the routine magnificence they bring to their demonstrations. However, the town's mayor, Quentin Brière, echoed concerns highlighted by residents regarding the danger of such exhibitions, noting, “Even when training, the pilots of the Patrouille de France risk their lives. It is a miracle there were no fatalities today.”
The community remains on edge as they recall prior incidents involving military aircraft in the area, most notably the tragic collision of two Rafale jets from the same base in August 2024, which resulted in the loss of two pilots. Residents expressed relief that an old adage about military rehearsals did not tragically come true today.
In light of the incident, an official investigation is currently underway to determine the causes and circumstances leading to the collision. The judicial inquiry will be led by a specialized unit of air gendarmerie, providing oversight on military aircraft-related incidents following protocols. The military also activated the Sater plan, which governs emergency responses to aircraft accidents, signaling the gravity of the event.
The Patrouille de France, founded in 1953 and recognized as one of the top aerobatic teams worldwide, employs the Alpha Jet as its primary aircraft since 1981. The team is known for its distinctive blue, white, and red smoke trails that symbolize French patriotism. While they captivate audiences during performances, this incident highlights the inherent risks involved in military flight training.
As of now, the three pilots appear to be recovering well and are expected to return to their duties once fully assessed. The investigation into why two experienced pilots unexpectedly collided will likely bring forward critical insights into aviation safety, further emphasizing the need for precise protocols and rigorous training regimens to mitigate similar risks in the future.
The aftermath of today’s accident emphasizes the unique challenges faced by military aviators who balance intricate precision and breathtaking displays with the potential for tragedy. As the country looks toward its skies, it remains hopeful for the safe return of all its airborne heroes.
