French Tiger combat helicopters rehearse for Bastille Day parade

A fleet of Tiger helicopters will fly over Paris in the next 24 hours as part of the July 14 Bastille Day parade. The aircraft, among the French Army’s most advanced combat platforms, will perform a high‑profile fly‑past that underscores France’s military readiness and ceremonial tradition.

Four of the helicopters had recently completed a mission in the Middle East, where they intercepted and destroyed several Iranian Shahed drones that were targeting Gulf states. The operation, carried out under the direction of French forces, demonstrated the helicopters’ capability in a real‑world combat environment. French television network France 2 accompanied the pilots during rehearsals along the route from Chartres to Paris, providing viewers with an inside look at the preparation for the parade.

The inclusion of the Tiger helicopters in the Bastille Day celebrations highlights France’s commitment to maintaining a robust air defense capability while also showcasing the nation’s military heritage. The parade, scheduled to begin shortly, will feature the helicopters among other elements of France’s armed forces, drawing attention to both their operational proficiency and symbolic significance.