Teesside Airport: In a major boost for Teesside International Airport, the UK Government has awarded a £173 million Ministry of Defence (MoD) training contract to Draken, a British business specializing in advanced military training. This investment will not only strengthen the UK’s national security but will also support over 200 jobs across Teesside, Bournemouth, and the Midlands—aligning with the Government’s Plan for Change strategy.
Strengthening National Security & Economic Growth
The contract, announced by Defence Minister Maria Eagle, will provide cutting-edge training for the UK’s Armed Forces to counter modern combat threats. The deal ensures Teesside’s vital infrastructure remains active, while also reinforcing the Defence Industrial Strategy, which aims to make the UK’s defence sector a driving force for economic growth.
Draken will deliver high-intensity, realistic training exercises to help UK forces prepare for:
✔ Air-to-air combat
✔ Missile attacks
✔ Attacks on naval ships from enemy aircraft
This advanced combat training will be conducted through live exercises over the North Sea, where Draken’s pilots will simulate adversary tactics, enhancing the UK’s combat readiness to meet NATO standards.
Training UK Forces with Cutting-Edge Technology
The contract will equip the Royal Air Force (RAF), Royal Navy, and British Army with state-of-the-art combat training using a specialized fleet of aircraft. Draken will deploy:
✈ 14 Dassault Falcon 20 aircraft
✈ 1 Diamond DA42 reconnaissance aircraft
✈ 8 L-159E ‘Honey Badger’ fighter jets
Draken will also integrate the latest electronic warfare technology to:
🔹 Train Royal Navy personnel to protect Carrier Strike Group assets from aerial and missile attacks
🔹 Support Army forces with real-time intelligence and reconnaissance
This immersive training will ensure that UK forces outpace adversaries in an era of evolving global threats.
Government and Industry Leaders Praise the Deal
Maria Eagle, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry:
“This investment will deliver world-class training for our Armed Forces and boost British business, jobs, and national security. In line with our Plan for Change and upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy, this deal with Draken will support 200 UK jobs and ensure the future of Teesside International Airport.” Teesside Airport
Air Vice Marshal Mark Flewin, Air Officer Commanding 1 Group:
“Our partnership with Draken is of fundamental importance as we train and prepare our front-line forces to meet emerging threats. Simulating adversary threats while training in a contested electromagnetic environment has never been more crucial.”Teesside Airport
Nic Anderson, CEO at Draken:
“We are proud to continue serving the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, and the Army. Our purpose is to provide world-class operational training so our warfighters are always ready to win.” Teesside Airport
Job Creation & Apprenticeships – A Boost for the UK Workforce
As part of the contract, Draken will create at least 12 new apprenticeships at its Teesside and Bournemouth sites. These apprenticeships will provide young professionals with the opportunity to train in aviation, engineering, and military technology, ensuring that the UK builds a skilled workforce to sustain its defence sector for years to come. Teesside Airport
Conclusion: A Strategic Win for the UK
This £173 million investment is more than just a contract—it’s a strategic move to reinforce the UK’s military strength, safeguard Teesside’s critical infrastructure, and drive economic growth across multiple regions.
With realistic combat training, advanced technologies, and job creation, this deal showcases how the UK’s defence industry can act as a powerful economic engine while ensuring the country’s military forces remain battle-ready for emerging threats. Teesside Airport