RAAF and the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) flew in tight formation on Exercise Pitch Black to reinforce a 75-year friendship forged in the bonds of war.
Four RAAF F-35A Lightning II and four ROKAF KF-16 fighter aircraft roared into the Top End sky in the first week of the exercise, symbolising an enduring alliance built on shared sacrifice, mutual trust and a common commitment to regional security.
Wing Commander Benjamin Meares, Commanding Officer of 77 Squadron, said the friendship flight represented not only the advanced capabilities of two modern air forces, but a relationship built on decades of cooperation.
"The friendship flight honoured our shared history, while showcasing the strong partnership that exists between our air forces today," Wing Commander Meares said.
For 77 Squadron, the flight carried particular significance.
As the only RAAF combat unit committed to the Korean War and the first Commonwealth air unit to engage in the conflict, the squadron flew thousands of missions in support of United Nations forces, initially operating P-51 Mustangs before transitioning to Gloster Meteor jets.
'The friendship flight honoured our shared history, while showcasing the strong partnership that exists between our air forces today.'
Beyond combat operations, 77 Squadron personnel supported a wider Air Force effort for war-affected communities through humanitarian assistance helping to build the enduring goodwill and friendship between Australia and South Korea.
"This flight sent a clear message that the relationship between the RAAF and ROKAF remains strong and focused on the future," Wing Commander Meares said.
"It also provided 77 Squadron members with a unique opportunity to connect more deeply with the squadron's Korean War heritage."
ROKAF Captain Myungjing Song echoed this sentiment, highlighting the shared strength and alliance of the two nations.
"I think the flight demonstrated the strength of our alliance and showed that we stand together every day," Captain Song said.
