Video: Three survive mid-air crash of French air force acrobatics team

A routine training exercise for the French Air Force took an unexpected and dramatic turn when two Alpha Jets collided mid-air near Air Base 113 in Saint-Dizier, located in Haute-Marne. According to the Air and Space Force, the incident occurred around 15:35 during a rehearsal session.

Fortunately, despite the collision's severity, all three individuals on board—two pilots and one passenger—successfully ejected from their aircraft. The crew members were found conscious and in stable condition, close to the crash site, providing a sigh of relief to the authorities and the public alike. Emergency services were swiftly deployed to the scene, and an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the mid-air mishap.

In response to the incident, Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu confirmed the event on X, offering assurance that the situation had been quickly controlled. The local mayor's office also issued a statement confirming that the pilots were "safe and sound," dispelling initial concerns about their well-being.

The Alpha Jet, a versatile light attack and advanced training aircraft, has long been a key component of the French Air Force. It is commonly used for pilot training and aerobatic displays. Although mid-air collisions are rare, this incident raises important questions about training procedures and the safety measures for operations within controlled airspace.

Military officials have begun an internal review of the crash's circumstances as the investigation continues. As more details emerge in the coming days, further updates are expected.