The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) co-hosted this year’s Black Eagles Airshow and Friendship Flight at Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga.
The event is part of celebrations of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea,
The event kicked off with a special friendship flight featuring four FA-50PH aircraft flown by Filipino pilots alongside eight T-50B aircraft flown by their South Korean counterparts.
Subsequently, the Black Eagles aerobatic team from South Korea amazed the audience with awe-inspiring aerial maneuvers, leaving vibrant trails in the sky as a testament to the colorful diplomatic relations between the two nations.
On a side note, the PAF currently operates 12 FA-50PH aircraft acquired through a purchase contract signed in 2014 with the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). Significantly, these aircraft were considered a “game changer” because of their contributions during the Marawi Siege in 2017.
Notably, the T-50Bs used by the ROKAF aerobatic team are trainer jet versions of the said type of aircraft.
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. emphasized that the event showcased not just diplomatic or friendly ties, but a profound sense of kinship between the two countries.
M/Gen Park Chang Kyu, Commander of the Air Defense and Control Command of ROKAF, conveyed his appreciation to the Filipino people for their steadfast trust and friendship for over 70 years and underscored the deep trust and close cooperation of both nations, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the bond even further.
Teodoro and Park were joined by His Excellency Lee Sang-Hwa, Korean Ambassador to the Philippines; LtGen Arthur M Cordura PAF, Acting Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; LtGen Stephen P Parreño PAF, Commanding General, PAF; and MGen Augustine S Malinit PAF, Vice Commander, PAF.
Officers from the DND and AFP General Headquarters, Foreign Armed Forces Attachés, Commanders of Major Service and Unified Commands, Government Officials, and guests from the Filipino and Korean communities also witnessed the event.
This three-day airshow, open to the public until March 5, also features an exhibit of different Korean defense companies.
