The aerial parade of the French National Day (also known as Bastille Day) celebrated on July 14 has always been a grand spectacle showcasing France’s aviation tradition and readiness.
In its 2023 edition, the parade promises to line up an impressive total of 66 airplanes and 28 helicopters taking to the skies. From fighter jets to transport planes, and from reconnaissance aircraft to aerobatic teams, the flypast represents the diverse capabilities of the French Air and Space Force.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between the two countries, India is the guest of honor at the 2023 Bastille Day celebrations. As part of the traditional flypast, three Indian Rafale jets will grace the skies above the Champs-Élysées Avenue.
Which new aircraft will take to the skies in the 2023 Bastille Day flypast?
For the first time, the new F4-standard Dassault Rafale fighter will take flight in the Bastille Day flypast.
The F4 standard focuses on improving the connectivity of the Rafale with other systems through new satellite and intra-patrol links, communication servers, and software radio, enabling the fighter to integrate into the Future Combat Air System being conjointly developed by France, Germany, and Spain.
On March 2, 2023, the French Air Warfare Center (CEAM) located at the Mont-de-Marsan Air Base near Bordeaux took delivery of the first Rafale F4.
The Airbus H160 Guépard helicopter will also be presented for the first time. The Guépard is due to replace several decades-old helicopters within the three branches of the French military, such as the Gazelle, the Fennec, and the Dauphin/Panther
The airplane portion of the flight parade will commence at 10:33 AM Paris time (GMT+2), followed by the helicopter segment starting at 11:29 AM Paris time (GMT+2).
Curious about which aircraft will be taking flight for the 14th of July parade? We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the Bastille Day flypast as provided by the French Ministry of Armed Forces.
The detailed airplane lineup for the 2023 Bastille Day flypast:
Opening of the parade:
- 9 Alphajets (Patrouille de France Aerobatic Team), in a formation called Big Nine.
25 years of strategic partnership between France and India:
- 3 Rafale Cs (Indian Air Force)
- 1 Rafale C (30th Fighter Squadron)
90 years of the Military Aeronautical Expertise Center (CEMA):
- 1 Rafale C (Fighter and Experimentation Squadron)
- 2 Mirage 2000 Ds (1/30 “Côte d’Argent” Fighter Squadron)
Airspace protection:
- 1 E-3F AWACS (36th Airborne Early Warning and Control Squadron “Berry”)
- 2 Mirage 2000-5s (1/2 “Cigognes” Fighter Squadron)
- 1 Rafale C (30th Fighter Squadron)
- 1 Rafale B (4th Fighter Squadron)
NATO Enhanced Air Policing:
- 1 Rafale C (30th Fighter Squadron)
- 1 Typhoon (Royal Air Force)
- 1 Rafale B (4th Fighter Squadron)
- 1 Mirage 2000-5 (1/2 “Cigognes” Fighter Squadron)
- 2 F-16s (Belgian Air Force)
Defense of vital and strategic interests:
- 1 A330 MRTT Phénix (1/31 “Bretagne” Air Refueling and Strategic Transport Squadron)
- 3 Rafale Bs (4th Fighter Squadron)
Force projection:
- 1 C-130J (Binational Air Transport Squadron)
- 1 A330-200 (Estérel)
- 2 CN-235 Casa (64th Squadron)
- 1 A400M Atlas (61st Transport Squadron)
Intervention:
- 1 C-135 (4/31 Air Refueling Squadron “Sologne”)
- 1 Rafale C (30th Fighter Squadron)
- 4 Mirage 2000 Ds (3rd Fighter Squadron)
Carrier Air Group:
- 1 E-2C Hawkeye (4F Squadron)
- 8 Rafale Ms (17F Squadron)
- 1 DA 10 (575 Squadron)
Maritime patrol aircraft – Operation NARCOPS:
- 1 Falcon 50 M (24F Squadron)
- 2 ATL 2s (21F and 23F Squadrons)
Reconnaissance / Anticipation:
- 1 ALSR Vador (64th Transport Squadron)
Training:
- 3 PC-21s (Fighter Aviation School)
- 4 Xingus (Fighter Aviation School)
Firefighting:
- 1 Dash 8 (Civil Security)
Competition and excellence:
- 2 Extra 330s (French Air and Space Aerobatic Team)
The detailed helicopter lineup for the 2023 Bastille Day flypast:
National Gendarmerie Air Force:
- 2 AS 350 (Écureuil), 2 EC135, and 2 EC145 helicopters.
Army Light Aviation School:
- 2 Calliope H120s and 2 Fennecs.
Major operation:
- 1 Gazelle, 3 Tigers, 1 Puma, 1 Cougar, and 3 Caimans.
Army Light Aviation 2030:
- 1 Airbus Helicopters H160 (Guépard).
Operations on the national territory:
- 1 Puma, 1 light combat Fennec, 1 Fennec with a sniper, and 1 H160.
Mastering the air and sea spaces, naval combat, and rescue at sea:
- 1 NH90 Caiman Marine, 1 NH90 Caiman (Italian Navy) 1 Dauphin, and 1 Dauphin Pedro.
Watch the 2023 Bastille Day parade:
The lineup provided is subject to change based on various factors, including weather conditions. In the event of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, adjustments may be made to ensure the safety and success of the aerial parade.