On March 25, 2025, a mid-air collision occurred between two Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jets belonging to the Patrouille de France, the French Air and Space Force’s official aerobatic team. The incident took place during a scheduled training sortie near Air Base 113 in Saint-Dizier, a facility often used for both tactical fighter operations and aerobatic preparations.
According to initial reports, the aircraft were engaged in close-formation maneuvering when contact was made—likely during a synchronized pass or cross pattern. One jet impacted a farm silo, igniting a fire, while the second aircraft suffered structural damage but remained airborne briefly before all crew members ejected.
The crew complement included two pilots and a support technician. All three were recovered alive; one sustained multiple injuries and was hospitalized. The others were found conscious and received immediate medical attention.
The Alpha Jet is a twin-engine advanced trainer/light attack aircraft, co-developed by Dassault Aviation and Dornier, and has been used by the Patrouille de France since 1981. It’s known for its stability at low speeds and maneuverability at high angles of attack—essential traits for aerobatic display flying. However, the aircraft lacks modern collision avoidance systems found in newer platforms, making formation flying reliant almost entirely on pilot visual reference and timing.
This accident closely follows the fatal collision of two Rafale B jets in August 2024, which also occurred near Saint-Dizier. That earlier incident resulted in the loss of both crew members. While no fatalities occurred this time, the recurrence of mid-air incidents in the same region may prompt a reevaluation of training protocols and risk mitigation strategies within the Air and Space Force.
A formal investigation is underway by both military and aviation safety authorities. Flight data, cockpit voice recordings, and witness accounts will be analyzed to determine whether the cause was procedural deviation, miscommunication, spatial disorientation, or another contributing factor.
The Patrouille de France has temporarily suspended training flights pending the outcome of the inquiry.