A squadron of foreign fighter jets caused quite a commotion in Sydney as they streaked across the sky on Tuesday, leaving Sydneysiders startled and intrigued. These eight jets belong to the Republic Of Korea Air Force’s (ROKAF) Black Eagles aerobatic team, renowned for their distinctive black, white, and yellow paint scheme. They made their presence known over the city around midday.
Residents in Sydney’s CBD and Northern Beaches were treated to a loud roar as the jets executed their synchronized flyover. The reason behind this aerial display is their visit to Australia ahead of the Australian International Airshow, scheduled to begin next month at Victoria’s Avalon Airport.
Video: Squadron of fighter jets roar over Sydney Mystifying locals
The Black Eagles are among the most highly regarded aerobatic teams globally and are famous for their signature ‘Taegeuk’ maneuver, during which they create the Korean flag in the sky using their jets and smoke trails. This marks the first time these jets have ever been showcased in Australia, making it a special occasion for aviation enthusiasts Down Under.
During the flyover, many lunch breakers paused in amazement at the sudden spectacle. Social media buzzed with questions and comments, with some wondering why there were incredibly noisy fighter jets soaring over Sydney, while others described the experience as “deafening.” Concerns were even raised about the proximity of the jets to a Qantas plane flying nearby.
The Black Eagles have previously showcased their skills in Asia, Europe, and the United Kingdom, but this visit represents their Australian debut. Justin Giddings, CEO of the Airshow, expressed excitement about their participation, stating, “The AIRSHOW 2023 team is honored that the first Black Eagles display ever seen in Australia will be at our event.” He emphasized the international recognition of the Black Eagles for their professional display performance and unique aircraft.
The Australian International Airshow is set to open its doors to the general public from March 3 to 5 at Avalon Airport. For aviation enthusiasts and spectators alike, the Black Eagles promise to bring a new level of interest and spectacle to the event with their aerobatic stunts and distinctive aircraft.
