The Republic of Korea Air Force’s Black Eagles will conduct a friendship flight with the Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Feb. 23, highlighting growing defense ties between the Philippines and South Korea.
In an advisory issued Wednesday, the PAF said the Black Eagles, flying their T-50B aircraft, will perform alongside the PAF’s FA-50PH fighter jets over Clark Air Base in Angeles City, Pampanga.
The T-50B is the aerobatic variant of the Mach 1.5-capable FA-50PH, which serves as the PAF’s primary fighter jet. Both aircraft are manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries, from which the PAF acquired its initial 12 FA-50PHs and a second batch of 12 upgraded units.
The PAF said the friendship flight aims to reinforce bilateral cooperation, enhance interoperability, and underscore both nations’ commitment to strengthening defense relations.
Also known as the 53rd Air Demonstration Group, the Black Eagles was formed on Dec. 12, 1994. The team initially flew Cessna A-37B “Dragonfly” aircraft before temporarily disbanding after the 2007 Seoul Air Show. It resumed operations in 2010 with the arrival of the T-50B jets.
