During aerobatic maneuvers, two French planes collide - French Armed Forces Minister reacts

An air accident involving two Alpha Jet aircraft from the Patrouille de France occurred during training exercises at Saint-Dizier Air Base 113, in eastern France.

This was stated by the French Minister of the Armed Forces, Sebastien Lecornu, who gave the first details about the accident.

"An accident involving two Alpha Jets of the Patrouille de France during rehearsals has just occurred," Lecornu said.

"Emergency services are being mobilized," he added, emphasizing that efforts are being made in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Armed Forces.

Two Alpha Jets from the Patrouille de France collide during a training exercise in Saint-Dizier, Haute-Marne. The pilots ejected. pic.twitter.com/lASGYzNox9

- Clash Report (@clashreport) March 25, 2025

The incident reportedly occurred during a formation flight as the aerobatic team was preparing for an upcoming public demonstration.

A video circulating on social media shows the moment of the collision: six planes are seen performing an aerial maneuver, emitting blue, white and red smoke.

Two of the planes appear to collide in mid-air, leading to a violent breakup of both aircraft.

Both pilots and one passenger were able to exit the aircraft, according to French Air and Space Force officials.

The city of Saint-Dizier announced last week that the French aerobatic patrol would conduct aerial exercises from Monday to Friday. /Telegraph/