The UK’s defence supply chain is set to benefit from a £173M Ministry of Defence (MoD) contract with British company Draken, enhancing Armed Forces training capabilities while supporting jobs across Teesside, Bournemouth, and the Midlands.
The contract will sustain critical infrastructure at Teesside International Airport and safeguard over 200 UK jobs, reinforcing the government’s Plan for Change by integrating defence investment with economic growth.
Strengthening the UK’s Defence Supply Chain
Draken’s fleet of specialist aircraft will simulate real-world combat scenarios to train UK personnel in:
- Air-to-air combat techniques.
- Missile attack response strategies.
- Naval defence against aerial threats.
Through live exercises over the North Sea, Draken’s private pilots will replicate adversary tactics using cutting-edge electronic warfare technology. This training will prepare Royal Navy personnel to defend Carrier Strike Group assets, assist Army units in rapid intelligence gathering, and ensure Royal Air Force (RAF) teams are equipped to counter emerging threats.
Boosting UK Jobs and Industry
Defence Minister Maria Eagle, announcing the contract during a visit to Teesside International Airport, emphasised its economic and national security benefits: “This investment will deliver world-class training for our Armed Forces while boosting British business, jobs, and national security. In line with our Plan for Change and the Defence Industrial Strategy, this deal will support 200 UK jobs and secure the future of Teesside International Airport.”
Draken’s operations will involve:
- 14 Dassault Falcon 20 jets,
- One Diamond DA42 reconnaissance aircraft,
- Eight L-159E ‘Honey Badger’ fighter jets based at Teesside and Bournemouth.
Additionally, Draken will enrol at least 12 apprentices at both sites, further investing in the next generation of defence sector talent.
Advancing Training Capabilities for NATO-Standard Readiness
Air Vice Marshal Mark Flewin, Air Officer Commanding 1 Group, highlighted the strategic importance of the contract: “Our partnership with Draken is fundamental to ensuring our forces are fully prepared to meet emerging global threats. Simulating adversary tactics in an advanced electro-magnetic environment is crucial to supporting NATO and safeguarding national security.”
Nic Anderson, CEO of Draken, added: “We are proud to continue serving the UK’s Armed Forces through this contract, helping to ensure our warfighters are prepared to fight and win. This deal reflects the high performance and innovation delivered by the Draken team every day.”
Aligning Defence Investment with Economic Growth
The contract aligns with the government’s broader Defence Industrial Strategy, ensuring the UK’s defence sector acts as a catalyst for regional economic development. By strengthening the supply chain, investing in advanced training, and supporting skilled jobs, this investment underscores how defence can drive long-term growth across the UK.
With this latest commitment, the MoD continues to modernise the UK’s military training infrastructure while securing key supply chain partnerships that reinforce national security and economic resilience.
If you would like to join our community and read more articles like this then please click here
Post written by: Vicky Maggiani
Vicky has worked in media for over 25 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.
RELATED ARTICLES
April 9, 2025
DPRTE Playback: Insights in Science, Innovation & Technology
The Science and Innovation Knowledge Transfer Zone at DPRTE 2025 offered an insightful and forward-looking perspective on the technologies, partnerships,
April 9, 2025
AUKUS Maritime Innovation Challenge 2025: Undersea Communications and Autonomy
The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is pleased to launch the Maritime Innovation Challenge 2025 as a new AUKUS Competition. Following the ministerial announcement in December
