A fast jet that has become the cornerstone of French air power is the latest addition to the Air Tattoo’s thrilling flying display next month.

For the past two years, the outstanding manoeuvrability of the delta-winged Mirage 2000C has enabled its pilots Capt Yann Vallet and Capt Fabrice Camliti to walk away with the Air Tattoo’s Lockheed Martin Cannestra Trophy which is awarded to the best overseas display.

This year, in their only UK appearance, Capt Vallet will be joined by Capt Gregory Prats in trying to make it three in a row for the French as they face stiff competition from the US Navy’s F/A-18F and the Russian MiG-29OVT.

Captain Yannick ‘Thor’ Vallet joined the French Air Force in 1986 and became a qualified fighter pilot two years later. Since then he has flown more than 3,800 hours including 2,000 hours on the Mirage. This season will mark his fourth year as the Mirage 2000’s solo display pilot.

The second Mirage 2000 display pilot, Captain Gregory Prats, joined the French Air Force in 1992 and qualified as a fighter pilot three years later. He has flown 2200 hours including more than 1,600 hours on the Mirage 2000.

In addition to the Mirage 2000C (the ‘C’ denotes its air defence version) there will be two Mirage 2000D (ground attack/strike versions) on static display.