In two days, the civil company Draken closed two contracts for the acquisition of F-16 fighters used by Holland and Norway. The two forces are disposing of 12 aircraft each, replacing them with F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters.
Also in June the Netherlands announced that its F-16A/B MLU would be sold to Draken. However, the contract was only signed on Tuesday (01). “There is no doubt that the acquisition of these F-16 aircraft will have lasting impacts around the world,” said Joe Ford, CEO of Draken.
“The addition of these F16s enhances Draken's already highly capable fleet and will ensure that we continue to provide all of our partners with a superior level of training”, said Bill Tart, COO of Draken.
One day after g with the Dutch Government, Draken announced the purchase of 12 used F-16A/B MLU fighters from the Norwegian Air Force. In October, the Norwegian Ministry of Defense revealed that, from 2022, the F-35 will be the only fighter jet in the country.
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A ministry spokesman confirmed that the F-16s would be ready for sale before Christmas. It was also suggested, at the time, that the planes could be sold to a civil company, something that came true this Wednesday (02).
“We are thrilled to have built such an excellent and lasting relationship with the people of Norway”, said Bill Tart. Ford claims that “The inclusion of the F-16s in the Draken fleet is transformative.”
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The two businesses, whose amounts were not disclosed by the company, also include and maintenance materials and equipment.
F-16s will be used in Air Combat Training
With the g of the contracts, Draken International becomes the second private company to operate F-16 Fighting Falcon jets in North America. In January of this year, the Canadian company Top Aces received used F-16 fighters from Israel.
A Draken is one of the most recognized companies in the field of aggressor/adversary services. Companies in this market operate in air combat training, playing the role of the enemy and serving as a simulated target for government air force aviators.
In this way, the States save when contracting the flight hours of the companies, without having to pay to maintain the planes.
However, despite having contracts with several companies in this sector – including Draken itself – the United States still maintains the so-called Aggressor Squadrons in its Air Force and Navy (in the latter they are called adversary).
Draken currently has a fleet of A-4 Skyhawk, L-159 ALCA, MB-339, Dassault Falcon and Mirage F-1, one of which was lost in a fatal accident in May this year.
