Adversary services training provider Draken has officially broken ground on its new state-of-the-art £7m hangar at Teesside International Airport.
Marking a significant expansion of its UK operations and reinforcing its commitment to delivering world-class aviation training services, the new facility- designated Hangar 362 – will house Draken’s advanced combat aircraft, including the Alca L-159E “Honey Badgers” which are used regularly on training sorties with the RAF’s frontline fighter squadrons. The new hangar will support the company’s growing footprint in electronic warfare and adversary air operational readiness training.
Hangar 362 will provide the infrastructure needed to sustain aircraft that routinely deploy across Europe, enhancing Draken’s ability to deliver realistic adversary tactics and large force exercises over the North Sea, creating 48 jobs in the region.
“This investment is a strategic step forward for Draken in the UK,” said Simon Tate, UK Managing Director. “Hangar 362 will not only expand our operational capacity at Teesside but also create high-quality jobs and support critical training contracts with the UK Ministry of Defence. It’s a testament to our continued commitment to innovation, agility, and excellence in defence aviation.”
The project is being delivered in partnership with Teesside International Airport and principal contractor S&A Fabrications Ltd, which has extensive experience in the delivery of aviation infrastructure. Following the successful completion of Hangar 362, the new build will further establish Teesside as a hub for cutting-edge aviation technology and training.
Simon Pelly, Director of S&A Fabrications Ltd, said support for local businesses was indicative of Draken’s dedication not only to the immediate region, but to the continuation of service delivery to its primary UK-centric customers.
“We’re proud to play a part in this milestone for Draken at Teesside. The new hangar represents real progress; not just for our customer, but for the region—creating opportunities and supporting the growth of the UK’s defence capabilities, professionalism and excellence. It’s a privilege to contribute to something that will deliver lasting benefits for the industry and to the local community.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Draken is a key partner for our airport and our region, and it’s fantastic to see them doubling down on Teesside Airport as the place to invest and grow.
“This new hangar is another big step forward for Teesside, and will see our airport play an even bigger part in training our Armed Forces to keep the UK safe and secure, while also creating opportunities for local firms and delivering more good-quality jobs for local people.
“Draken’s continued investment shows the strength of our airport’s turnaround and the confidence major employers have in the future of our region. It’s proof that our airport is now about far more than passenger flights – it’s a key driver of growth and good-quality local jobs.”
Phil Forster, Managing Director of Teesside International Airport, added: “We’re incredibly proud to see Draken continue to invest in Teesside with the construction of this new hangar; an outstanding addition to our airport.
“This development not only reinforces our airport’s position as a leading base for aviation innovation and defence support but also creates skilled jobs and long-term opportunities for the region. It’s another fantastic example of how Teesside is flying high as a location for growth, technology, and investment.”
Work is expected to be completed and the site handed over in November 2026.
