Black Eagles Perform Taeguk Pattern Aerobatics in Polish Skies

[D?blin (Poland) = Ministry of National Defense Joint Press Corps · Asia Economy Military Specialist Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] The Republic of Korea Air Force's special flight team, the Black Eagles, embroidered the Taegeuk pattern across the skies of Poland. This was the first flight of the Black Eagles in Poland since their deployment to Europe for participation in the UK RIAT Airshow and Farnborough Airshow.

On the afternoon of the 27th (local time), the Black Eagles flight team showcased the performance of the domestically produced supersonic aircraft T-50B with high-difficulty aerobatics over D?blin Air Force Base. D?blin Base is located about 120 km south of the capital, Warsaw. It is a training flight unit with the Air Force Academy and operates the Italian-made light fighter M-346.

The Black Eagles' airshow was held to support the export of the FA-50 light fighter, which adds combat missions to the T-50, to Poland. It was arranged with a joint marketing budget from the Air Force, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the manufacturer of the T-50, and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration. Prior to the airshow, the Polish government signed Framework Agreements at the Warsaw Ministry of Defense building with KAI, Hyundai Rotem, and Hanwha Defense for the export and technical cooperation of the FA-50, K2 tank, and K9 self-propelled howitzer, respectively.

Following the signing ceremony of the Framework Agreements, key Polish officials attended the airshow, including Jarosław Mika, Commander-in-Chief of the Polish Armed Forces; Jacek Psciwoa, Air Force Commander; and Sławomir Sihocki, Director of Military Policy. On the Korean side, Ambassador Lim Hun-min to Poland, Yoo Dong-jun, Director of the Ministry of National Defense Strategic Resource Management Office, Sung Il, Head of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration's Base Power Project Headquarters, An Hyun-ho, President of KAI, Lee Yong-bae, President of Hyundai Rotem, and Son Jae-in, President of Hanwha Defense, were present.

Notably, about 300 local residents near D?blin Base attended, along with about 10 Korean residents invited by the Korean Embassy in Poland. Approximately 5,000 Koreans reside in Poland, with about 500 living in the capital, Warsaw.

First, the Polish Air Force's special flight team Orlik took to the sky. Orlik, composed of six domestically produced PZL-130 (KT-1 class) aircraft, performed aerobatics for about 25 minutes. Although the turboprop engine-based aircraft had less maneuverability than jet engine aircraft, they demonstrated various formation flights, crossing flights, inverted flights, and twist flights.

As the Orlik aircraft landed, the Black Eagles of the Republic of Korea Air Force took off in intervals with a total of eight aircraft in formations of three, three, and two, roaring down the runway. The Black Eagles first captivated the audience by flying forward behind the stands while emitting red and blue smoke.

Then, flying as one body with barely a gap between the eight aircraft, they demonstrated top-level skills by forming diamond formations and more. Especially during the Rainfall maneuver, where aircraft soared vertically and fell like a waterfall with white smoke, and the Victoria Break maneuver, where eight aircraft flew together from the front and spread out in all directions, cheers and applause erupted from the stands. The near-miss, thrilling crossing aerial maneuvers kept spectators on the edge of their seats.

On this day, the Black Eagles performed a total of 24 maneuvers over Poland's skies for more than 30 minutes, engraving the Taegeuk pattern, forming a heart shape, and drawing Cupid shooting an arrow. The airshow concluded with the Tornado maneuver, where eight aircraft circled the runway at regular intervals and landed sequentially. This maneuver was first introduced at the recent RIAT Airshow. After landing, the Black Eagles approached right in front of the audience and greeted them while waving both the Taegeukgi and Polish flags from the cockpit.

Mr. Marek, a resident of D?blin, said about the Black Eagles airshow, "It has been a long time since I saw such a skillful airshow, and I was deeply impressed," adding, "I think Poland's purchase of the FA-50 is a good choice."

Mr. Ko Shin-seok, a Korean resident living in Warsaw, said, "It was an honor to see the Black Eagles perform in Poland," and added, "I have lived in Poland for 21 years, and hearing that Poland is purchasing Korean weapons makes me feel that the status of our Republic of Korea has risen."

At the site, An Hyun-ho, President of KAI, said, "The first flight of the KF-21 on the 19th was a historic day when Korea became the eighth country in the world to produce a fighter jet, and today is also a historic day as domestically produced aircraft are exported to the European market for the first time," adding, "I thank the Korean government officials who helped make the FA-50 export possible, as well as the Air Force Black Eagles team."

Jarosław Mika, Commander-in-Chief of the Polish Armed Forces, who waited to greet the Black Eagles pilots, said, "Teamwork is the most important for an airshow, and I was moved watching a flight that cannot be seen anywhere else," adding, "I am very grateful to be able to purchase Korean aircraft," and "Thank you for coming all the way to Poland."