A TEAM of South Korean Air Force pilots and crew are staying in Basingstoke ahead of a set of airshows in the UK in July.

The aerobatics team, named the Black Eagles, will be appearing at the Southport Air Show, Royal International Air Tattoo and Farnborough Airshow, as part of military diplomacy to promote South Korean-made aircraft.

The team, however, has chosen Basingstoke as their base to travel to the airshow locations and practice ahead of the big days.

The last time a South Korean aerobatics team performed in the UK was ten years ago – in 2012.

There are over 50 Black Eagles, including eight pilots, staying in Basingstoke.

They will fly eight T-50B supersonic trainer jets to stage various performances, including its trademark show of drawing with smoke tails the taegeuk mark, a signature symbol of South Korea’s national flag.

A joint flight with its British counterpart, the Red Arrows, has also been arranged to highlight the two countries’ friendship.

It is reported that Black Eagles will visit 13 other countries, including Poland, Slovakia, Egypt and the Philippines, after their UK show.