Canadian, American air forces conduct flypast over Ottawa for Fourth of July

U.S. Air Force F-35s and Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18s perform a flypast over Lornado, the official residence of the U.S. Ambassador to Canada in Ottawa during an Independence Day party marking 250 years of U.S. independence, on Saturday, July 4, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

The Royal Canadian Air Force and U.S. air force held a joint flypast over Ottawa to mark the Fourth of July in the United States and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The ceremonial flypast happened at around 6:30 p.m. ET Saturday and involved two Canadian CF-18 Hornets flying alongside a pair of American F-35 Lightning II jets.

The flypast was scheduled go over the annual Fourth of July party at the official residence of the U.S. ambassador in Rockcliffe.

The Defence Department says it’s meant to demonstrate the way the two countries routinely work together in the air as part of NORAD, the binational continental defence command.

Helicopter flypast marks World Cup match

Earlier in the day, the RCAF conducted a special flypast in Ottawa to mark Canada’s pivotal soccer match against Morocco in the FIFA World Cup on Saturday.

Up to 20,000 people were expected to attend a watch party at LeBreton Flats for the start of the Round of 16 match at 1 p.m. ET.

An RCAF CH-147F Chinook helicopter from 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron flew over the Bluesfest grounds shortly before the match began.

“This flypast is meant to highlight and support this community gathering as it recognizes a momentous global sporting event. It also celebrates Canada’s progress in the World Cup,” the RCAF said in a news release.

With files from The Canadian Press

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