Why French Fighter Jets Flew Over the Hudson River

French Air Force to Perform Flyover Over Hudson River

Don't be surprised if you see a show in the sky on Tuesday morning, June 9th, 2026.

The French Air Force performed a flyover beginning around 10:40 am. According to West Point the flyover consisted of 8 "Dassault Alpha Jets and one Airbus A400 transport plane at the head."

They took off from Stewart Airport and flew over West Point. Then, the flight path was "projected for them to fly down the Hudson River north to south."

The aerobatic planes flew over The Plain at West Point, down to New York City and then to the Statue of Liberty.

During the flyover the jets released red, white and blue smoke.

Why Is The French Air Force Performing a Flyover Over New York?

Why exactly is the French Air and Space Force Aerobatic Team, aka The Patroulille de France, conducting this special fly over?

It's all part of America's 250th celebration. West Point explains that the flyover is "part of their national goodwill tour of the United States in commemoration of the 250th founding of the nation. "

The French jets will perform "elegant formation maneuvers, dynamic opposition passes and signature smoke displays in the colors of the French Flag."

For the “Liberté 250" celebration mission "the Patrouille de France aircraft will feature commemorative tail markings with the American flag on one side and the French flag on the other. "

The Patrouille de France will tour the U.S. until the culmination on the 4th of July in New York where they will take part in the naval and aerial parade.

Learn more about the Patrouille de France and their celebration of America's 250th at WestPoint.edu.

Don't Miss the 2026 New York Air Show

Save the date! The 2026 New York Air Show is set.

The New York Air Show will return to Orange County Airport in Montgomery in August 1st through the 2nd and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will headline the event.