Draken Europe has been selected to provide the UK’s Interim Red Air Aggressor Training Service (IRAATS) requirement. The three-year contract, with a further three-year option, starts on 1 July and will see Draken Europe provide RAF fighter squadrons with aggressor aircraft replicating the tactics, techniques and procedures of potential adversaries.
The new service will use Aero Vodochody L-159E Honey Badger aircraft flown by experienced ex-military fast jet pilots and regulated by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
The IRAATS programme was launched due to the retirement of the Hawk T1sflown by 100 Squadron RAF and 736 Squadron RN Fleet Air