Ukrainian Pilots and Ground Forces Participated in the Bastille Day Parade in Paris

As part of the Bastille Day celebrations in Paris, a traditional parade took place, with two Ukrainian pilots participating for the first time.

They were in the cockpits as co-pilots during the flyover of the French capital, according to ICI. In addition to the aerial component, Ukrainian military personnel participated in the ground part of the parade, UNN reports.

The Patrouille de France aerobatic team traditionally opened the air show. The flyover of Paris began at 11:21 a.m. Kyiv time, preceding the passage of ground columns of military equipment and marching units.

In total, 84 French and 11 foreign aircraft, as well as 32 helicopters, flew over the French capital.

Since the Mirage 2000-5F fighters based in Luxey are single-seaters, two-seater Mirage 2000B aircraft were chosen to include Ukrainian pilots.

French pilots flew the aircraft, while the invited Ukrainian pilots served as co-pilots.

Ahead of the planned transfer of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine—which are being phased out of service by the French Air and Space Force—Ukrainian military personnel are continuing their training at Air Base VA116.

In addition to pilots, Ukrainian aircraft technicians are training in Luxey to maintain these fighter jets.

Українські пілоти та сухопутні сили взяли участь у параді до Дня взяття Бастилії в Парижі.

Відео: Reuters pic.twitter.com/dpI0WFEaXT

— Владислав (@Vladislav110528) July 14, 2026

Furthermore, a group of Ukrainian military personnel marched in the annual military parade in the French capital.

Troops from the countries of the so-called “coalition of the willing” also marched down the Champs-Élysées. Flag bearers from Albania and Australia led the way, and representatives from Austria, Belgium, Great Britain, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden.

In total, as part of the Bastille Day celebrations, more than 300 vehicles and 6,500 soldiers marched down the Champs-Élysées.