So after 100 years, 100 Squadron has gone West – maybe not forever. But it has gone West and it’s function will now be outsourced to Draken, probably with their L-159’s or if we are lucky maybe some of their A-4’s now and again. If there is a Joint Warrior exercise later in 2022, the spotters at Prestwick might be in for a treat – although most of the aircraft have probably already been Prestwick visitors.
I for one will look forward to Joint Warrior later this year, that is if it does happen with the resourcing requirements for the new NATO commitments that have followed the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Draken Europe has been awarded a six-year contract by the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) to provide Agressor aircraft for training the Royal Air Force (RAF).
In replacing the 100 squadron Hawk T1A’s Draken will provide a squadron of L-159E Honey Badger aircraft these will be the “Bad Guys” as part of the Interim Red Air Aggressor Training Service (IRAATS) program. Fullfilling the role previously carried out by 100 squadron and it’s BAe Hawk T1A’s.
The aircraft will operate out of Teesside International Airport (MME/EGNV) from July 2022. It is probably with increased urgency that the RAF will increase the intensity of the training, given the current state of play in Eastern Europe and the bellicose noises eminating from Moscow.