Between October 17 and 21, two Dassault Rafale jets and an Airbus A330 MRTT Phénix tanker from the French Air and Space Force are taking part in special flights over the United States to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Marquis de La Fayette’s return to America. The event highlights the strong historical and military ties between France and the United States, forged during the American War of Independence.

As part of the celebrations, the French aircraft will fly over key cities, including Yorktown, Washington D.C., and Williamsburg. October 19, 2024, in particular, saw a symbolic tribute marking the anniversary of the Battle of Yorktown in 1781, where Franco-American forces achieved a decisive victory, effectively sealing the United States’ independence. For this special occasion, a Rafale flew alongside a Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor from Langley Air Force Base.

A hero of two worlds

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *