Three people were found conscious after two jets from the French air force's acrobatics team collided near an air base in northeastern France on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, around 3:40 p.m. local time. The incident, which occurred near Saint-Dizier, involved two Alpha Jet planes that were part of a seven-aircraft formation flying with the elite Patrouille de France (PAF) during a stunt rehearsal.
According to the French Air and Space Force, the collision prompted three pilots and one passenger to eject and parachute to safety. The military confirmed that the three individuals, including two pilots and one passenger, were able to eject in time and were found conscious. However, one person sustained multiple injuries.
Footage of the incident, which has circulated on social media, shows the seven aircraft executing a coordinated turn while emitting colored smoke. Unexpectedly, at least two of the jets made contact midair, leading to a dramatic spiral out of control before crashing to the ground in a massive fireball.
One of the planes crashed into a silo, which caused a fire, while the other came down in a marshy wooded area nearby. Thankfully, there were no civilian casualties reported in the incident. "Emergency services have been mobilised," Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated on X (formerly Twitter), expressing gratitude for the rapid response of emergency teams.
Mayor Quentin Brière of Saint-Dizier provided additional context, noting that the crash site was promptly attended to by emergency personnel. The French Armed Forces have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the midair collision.
This incident marks a significant moment for the French air force, especially considering the history of accidents involving military jets. In August 2024, two French pilots tragically lost their lives when their Rafale jets collided in midair during a training exercise in eastern France, an event that shocked the military community.
The Alpha Jet, involved in Tuesday's incident, is a two-seater aircraft developed jointly by Dassault Aviation of France and Dornier of Germany in the 1970s. It is primarily used for pilot training and aerobatic performances. The Patrouille de France, founded in 1953, is known for its spectacular aerial displays, including performances during France’s annual Bastille Day celebrations. The team consists of highly trained fighter pilots, and accidents within the unit are considered rare.
In light of recent geopolitical events, France has also been utilizing the Alpha Jet to train Ukrainian pilots following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, further emphasizing the aircraft's operational importance.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on the safety of military operations and the well-being of the pilots involved. The French Air and Space Force is expected to conduct a thorough inquiry to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In the wake of the crash, the military community is reflecting on the risks associated with aerial maneuvers and the importance of safety protocols. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by elite aerobatic teams and the inherent dangers of flying high-performance aircraft.
The Patrouille de France has long been a symbol of French aviation excellence, and this incident, while alarming, will likely lead to enhanced safety measures and protocols to ensure the continued success and safety of its operations.
