Collision Between Two Patrouille de France Jets During Training in Saint-Dizier

An accident involving two Alpha Jet aircraft from the Patrouille de France occurred on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 25, near Air Base 113 in Saint-Dizier (Haute-Marne). According to the French Air and Space Force, the two aircraft “apparently collided” at 3:35 PM during a training session.

Pilots Safe, Area Secured

Both pilots and a passenger managed to eject in time and were found conscious. “They sustained minor injuries and have received medical care,” the Ministry of the Armed Forces stated. According to Quentin Brière, the mayor of Saint-Dizier, they suffered multiple traumas due to the ejection and landing impact, but their condition is not a cause for concern.

One of the jets crashed into a marshy and wooded area, while the other fell onto part of a cement plant in an industrial zone. A small fire broke out but was quickly extinguished by firefighters. Fortunately, there were no civilian or military casualties on the ground.

Investigation Launched to Determine the Cause

Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed that “emergency services are mobilized, and coordination is being ensured between the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of the Armed Forces.” Investigations have been launched to determine the exact cause of the accident.

The Patrouille de France had been training in Saint-Dizier since the previous day, with sessions scheduled until Friday, March 28. A nighttime exercise was also planned between 3 AM and 4 AM.