Founded in 1953, but active since 1931 under different names, this elite unit of the French Air Force is the oldest military aerobatic flight team of all time and is considered one of the best in the world.

The Patrouille de France demonstration program changes every year and is among the most sophisticated. The team is divided into two groups: Box Avant (Athos 1–4) and Box Arrière (Athos 5–8).

The positions of the eight Alphajet aircraft are extremely precise. From the “leader,” who directs the formation, to the “eagle” following closely behind, the “insiders,” the “outsiders,” and the “soloists,” each pilot knows their exact place and role.

The aircraft fly at speeds ranging from 200 to 600 km/h, at distances of about two meters from one another, subjecting the pilots to accelerations between -3G and +7G, at altitudes between 30 and 1,500 meters above the ground.

Throughout the show, the team uses red, white, and blue smoke.
Its most famous signature maneuver is one that paints a colorful heart in the sky, pierced by Cupid’s arrow.