Draken flying high with £173 million military deal

An aviation firm known for honing RAF pilots’ aerial combat skills has won a “ground-breaking” £173 million contract.

Draken has secured a Ministry of Defence deal to train RAF, Navy and Army personnel.

Bosses say the agreement will support more than 200 jobs and retain Draken’s operational base at Teesside International Airport, on the outskirts of Darlington, for at least four years.

Pledging to create at least 12 apprenticeships across the UK, they add the tie-up has also maintained Draken services at Bournemouth Airport.

The company, previously known as Cobham Aviation, uses experienced ex-military fighter pilots to fly against RAF counterparts over the North Sea in Lightning and Typhoon aircraft to replicate warfare battles.

Under the terms of its Government deal, it will also train Royal Navy personnel to protect vessels from air and missile attacks and tutor Army personnel on airborne reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.

Hailing the continued presence of Draken at Teesside International Airport, where operations date back more than two decades, Phil Forster, the site’s managing director, said: “This is very good news.

“Draken has been a valued airport partner for many years, and they provide a vital service to the UK. 

“I’m confident we can secure even closer ties.” 

Nic Anderson, Draken chief executive, added: “Our purpose is to provide leading-edge operational training to help the war fighter win.

“Through this ground-breaking contract, we will continually innovate to improve their training experience.”

The deal marks a fourth significant announcement for Teesside International Airport this year, with tenant Willis Aviation Services revealing aircraft maintenance deals with TUI Airways and Jet2.com.

Airport officials also recently unveiled vehicle repair firm ABL 1 Touch as the first tenant on Teesside International Airport Business Park.

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