French aerobatic team flies over New York for U.S. independence anniversary

Eight Alpha jets from the French Air Force's Patrouille de France (PAF) painted the New York sky with blue, white, and red smoke. The flyover occurred as part of the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.

The jets flew along the Hudson River, passing near One World Trade Center before heading toward Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty. The aircraft featured American and French flags on their tails for the occasion. An A400M transport plane and two backup aircraft accompanied the eight Alpha jets, with a total of 85 military personnel involved in the operation.

The mission, named "Liberté 250," aims to re-emphasize France's crucial support for the American fight for independence against England. France is often referred to as the "oldest ally of the United States." The elite pilots had previously performed a similar flyover above the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, a symbol of Franco-American military cooperation, before heading to Philadelphia, the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence.

Further aerial displays are planned across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. before the mission concludes on July 5. The Patrouille de France will conduct its final flyover in New York on July 4, the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.