ROKAF aerobatic team The Black EaglesThe biennial World Defense Show, hosted by the Saudi government, marks its third edition in 2026 and has rapidly established itself as the largest defense industry exhibition in the Middle East since its launch in 2022. This year’s event will be held from Feb. 8 to 12 at the Riyadh Convention Center.
ROKAF’s participation is its first at a Middle Eastern defense exhibition. For the deployment, the Air Force will send nine T-50B advanced jet trainers, including one spare aircraft, four C-130 transport aircraft for personnel and logistics, and around 120 airmen.
The Black Eagles are scheduled to depart Wonju Air Base on Jan. 28, flying a multi-leg route via Naha in Japan, Clark in the Philippines, Da Nang in Vietnam, Chiang Mai in Thailand, Kolkata, Nagpur and Jamnagar in India, and Muscat in Oman. The team is expected to arrive at Riyadh’s Malham Airport on Feb. 2 after covering approximately 11,300 kilometers.
At their first stop in Naha, Okinawa, the Black Eagles will conduct an exchange event with Japan Air Self-Defense Force aerobatic team Blue Impulse, aimed at strengthening mutual understanding and defense cooperation.
Japan Air Self-Defense Force aerobatic team Blue Impulse
Beginning Feb. 9, the day after the exhibition’s opening ceremony, the Black Eagles will perform daily airshows featuring 24 high-difficulty maneuvers before international defense industry representatives and the general public. The displays are intended to highlight the advanced flying skills of ROKAF pilots and the performance of South Korea’s domestically developed aircraft.
A highlight will be the “Mugunghwa” maneuver, in which aircraft form the five petals of Korea’s national flower, symbolizing perseverance and resilience. It will be the first time the maneuver is demonstrated at an overseas airshow.
Royal Saudi Air Force aerobatic team Saudi Hawks
On Feb. 7, one day before the exhibition opens, the Black Eagles will conduct a joint friendship flight with the Royal Saudi Air Force aerobatic team Saudi Hawks. Eight T-50B aircraft and seven Hawk jets will fly in formation over Riyadh and key landmarks, underscoring growing cooperation and trust between the two air forces.
Colonel Noh Nam-seon, commander of the 53rd Special Flying Squadron and mission director, said the team is committed to delivering a world-class performance. “As this is our first airshow in Middle Eastern skies, we will draw on our accumulated experience and teamwork to present the best possible display,” he said. “We aim to demonstrate the excellence of the ROK Air Force and the capabilities of our indigenous aircraft, serving as a leading ambassador for Korea’s defense industry.”
K-DEFENSE NEWS | Strategic Analysis Desk
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