Australian F-35As, South Korean KF-16s fly together to mark 75-year friendship

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the Republic of Korea Air Force flew together in tight formation during Exercise Pitch Black, marking 75 years of a friendship forged during the Korean War.

Four RAAF F-35A Lightning II jets and four ROKAF KF-16 fighters flew into the skies over Australia’s Top End during the exercise’s first week, a display meant to symbolize an alliance built on shared sacrifice and mutual trust.

#AusAirforce & Republic of Korea fighter aircraft took to the skies over the Northern Territory in a Friendship Flight during Exercise Pitch Black 26, honouring a partnership that began more than 70 years ago during the Korean War. #StrongerTogether #PitchBlack26 @ROK_MND pic.twitter.com/MZdQhfkg9A— Royal Australian Air Force (@AusAirForce) July 22, 2026 A flight with deep historical roots

Wing Commander Benjamin Meares, Commanding Officer of 77 Squadron, said the flight represented more than just the capabilities of two modern air forces. “The friendship flight honoured our shared history, while showcasing the strong partnership that exists between our air forces today,” Meares said.

The flight carried particular weight for 77 Squadron, which was the only RAAF combat unit committed to the Korean War and the first Commonwealth air unit to take part in the conflict. The squadron flew thousands of missions supporting United Nations forces during that war, first operating P-51 Mustangs before transitioning to Gloster Meteor jets.

From the skies over Korea to Exercise Pitch Black 26. @ROK_MND pic.twitter.com/gFZESzvqkG— Royal Australian Air Force (@AusAirForce) July 22, 2026 Beyond combat operations, 77 Squadron personnel also supported humanitarian efforts for communities affected by the war, work that helped build lasting goodwill between Australia and South Korea. Meares said the friendship flight sent a clear signal that the relationship between the two air forces remains strong and future-focused, while giving squadron members a chance to connect more deeply with their unit’s Korean War heritage.

ROKAF Captain Myungjing Song shared a similar view of the exercise. “I think the flight demonstrated the strength of our alliance and showed that we stand together every day,” Song said.

Exercise Pitch Black 2026

Exercise Pitch Black is the Royal Australian Air Force’s biennial capstone international exercise, held this year from July 20 to August 7, 2026 and centered largely in northern Australia, with flying operations out of RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal, and Amberley. 

The exercise draws participants from 21 nations and is built around large-force employment missions, training scenarios that combine fighter aircraft, intelligence and reconnaissance platforms, air mobility assets, and command-and-control systems to mirror real-world combat conditions.

RELATED

Skyfly opens electric aircraft propulsion system to other manufacturers

The post Australian F-35As, South Korean KF-16s fly together to mark 75-year friendship appeared first on AeroTime.

Go to Source