What Happened
France Showcases Military Aviation Prowess Over Paris
The 2026 Bastille Day parade in Paris will feature a large aerial display, with 98 fixed-wing aircraft and 32 helicopters participating from the French Air and Space Force, Navy, and allied air arms. The Patrouille de France will open the flypast, accompanied by two Mirage 2000 aircraft flown by Franco-Ukrainian crews. The parade’s theme, the strategic awakening of Europe, reflects France’s growing emphasis on European defense cooperation. The event is expected to include a range of aircraft, including Rafale, Mirage 2000, and A400M, as well as helicopters from the French Navy and Gendarmerie nationale. According to AeroTime, the parade will also feature a new air-land demonstration, showcasing interaction between ground troops and air support.