The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) officially kicked off the three-day “Black Eagles Airshow and Friendship Flight” at the Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga on Sunday, March 3.
The event kicked off with a special friendship flight featuring four FA-50PH light fighters flown by PAF pilots alongside eight T-50B aircraft demonstrators flown by pilots from the 53rd Air Demonstration Group or Black Eagles, the flight display team of ROKAF.
Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the airshow was held in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between the Philippines and South Korea.
“The event showcased not just diplomatic or friendly ties, but a profound sense of kinship between the two countries,” he said.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Park Chang Kyu, commander of the ROKAF Air Defense and Control Command, conveyed his appreciation to the Filipino people for their “steadfast trust and friendship” for over 70 years.
He underscored the “deep trust and close cooperation” of both nations as they “marked a significant milestone in strengthening their bond even further.”
Teodoro and Park were joined by South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-Hwa; Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura acting Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff; Lt. Gen. Stephen P. Parreño, PAF Commanding General; and Maj. Gen. Augustine S. Malinit, PAF Vice Commander.
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.
The three-day airshow, which will be open to the public until March 5, also features an exhibit of different Korean defense companies.
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