In 2022, a new hangar was built at Teesside to accommodate Draken’s fleet of Alca L-159E “Honey Badger” aircraft, used against the RAF Lightning and Typhoon fighter pilot training over the North Sea to imitate ‘the enemy.’
“We are proud to continue serving the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy and the Army through the Interim Medium Speed Operational Readiness Training Services,” commented Nic Anderson, CEO at Draken. “Our purpose is to provide leading edge operational training to help the warfighter to be ready to fight and win. Through this ground-breaking contract we will continually innovate to improve their training experience.”
Following on from the signing, Draken will enroll at least twelve apprentices across its Teesside and Bournemouth sites.


Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen with Fleet Captain Philip Roberts at Draken’s hangar (2022)
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This new agreement demonstrates the importance of Teesside Airport, both to our regional economy, and national security, and I am pleased that the Government recognise this too. I’m proud we have Draken at our airport – the role they play preparing our armed forces so that they’re primed to protect our great nation is essential. We want to see Draken expand its operations at Teesside and this is a huge boost to those aspirations.”
Teesside Airport has announced a wealth of developments recently, with a long-term deal with Willis Aviation Services Limited for TUI’s base maintenance and Jet2 C-checks, as well as new tenant ABL 1 Touch, a vehicle repairer at Teesside International Airport Business Park.
Houchen continued: “We are delivering real growth, supporting the creation of high-skilled, well-paid jobs and driving millions of pounds of investment in the local economy. Our airport is a huge part of this, and we can really see momentum is building. Positive news is being announced week in, week out – from new flights to Malaga, to new businesses opening – and we will not stop in our efforts to ensure Teesside Airport grows and delivers for the people of Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”
Photos: Teesside International Airport/Draken