Draken International won a contract to provide adversary support to augment the Air Force’s F-16 aggressor fleet at Nellis AFB, Nev., the company announced? Sept. 30. “We are excited to begin delivering a professional, safe, and highly capable aggressor service … integrating with and complementing the USAF Nellis-based aggressors,” the company’s Nellis detachment boss Terry Scott said in a release. Nellis was forced to pull fighters from other bases last year because of a shortage of aggressors to support the Air Force Weapons School after the standdown of the 65th Aggressor Squadron F-15Cs. Draken’s fleet of L-159 light combat aircraft and former Royal New Zealand Air Force A-4K Skyhawks will now fill that hole, operating alongside Nellis’ dedicated adversary F-16s. The jets are equipped with advanced radar, counter measures, and equipment needed to replicate a variety of fourth-generation threats, according to the company. Draken demonstrated its “red air” capabilities against Air Force fighters in support of Exercise Northern Lightning earlier this year. The aggressors also support international F-35 operational testing at Edwards AFB, Calif., including Dutch Lightning II integration trials in July.
Competitors Not Picked for CCA Look Forward to Increment 2
April 25, 2024
While none of the major aircraft contractors were selected to develop the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, all three say they are seeking further autonomous aircraft work for the Navy, foreign partners, or in the classified arena, and maybe future versions of the CCA itself.