Patrouille De France Announces Liberté 250 Mission In Celebration of America250
Nine years after Patrouille De France’s last North American tour in 2017, the French Air and Space Force’s premier demonstration squadron has announced it will be returning to America this summer for Liberté 250, a special deployment in celebration of 250 years of America independence as well as 248 years of alliance between the United States and France.
Liberté 250, also known as Mission Freedom 250, will commence June 3, and will span more than a month, concluding July 9 following Independence Day celebrations. Patrouille De France’s fleet of Alpha Jets, along with an Airbus A400M Atlas, will travel the east coast of the United States, conducting both aerial demonstrations as well as flyovers alongside American counterparts. The A400M Atlas will carry the team’s support personnel and equipment, while also participating in aerial events.
Only one U.S. air show has confirmed a Patrouille De France appearance so far, that being the OC Air Show June 13-14 in Ocean City, Maryland. The team will headline the beachfront event alongside the United States Air Force Thunderbirds. Liberté 250 will culminate on America’s Independence Day, July 4, when Patrouille De France joins more than 100 allied and U.S. aircraft for an International Aerial Review over New York City, led by the United States Navy Blue Angels. Other allied military demonstration teams participating in the International Aerial Review include the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and the Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows.
To add to the celebrations, Patrouille De France is outfitting each of its Alpha Jets with a commemorative livery, featuring the American Stars and Stripes on the tail along with a Liberté 250 marking. Additionally, expect to see the team’s signature red, white, and blue smoke during both aerial demonstrations and flyovers.
For the latest updates regarding Liberté 250 and the 2026 air show season, including all America250 celebrations, be sure to stay tuned to our website and social media!
