MiG-21s added to Draken fleet of training aircraft

LAKELAND, Fla., Oct. 2 (UPI) -- Draken International Inc., a provider of commercial and tactical fighter aircraft, has received 25 MiG-21 fighters for U.S. Department of Defense pilot combat training and test pilot schools.

Draken, based in Lakeland, Fla., said the delivery of Russian-made combat planes acquired from Poland "complements Draken's existing operation by adding a reliable, affordable supersonic asset with radar capabilities to provide unmatched training in the commercial air services industry."

"The Draken team is thrilled to add the MiG-21's to our fleet of tactical fighters," said Draken Chief Executive Officer Jared Isaacman. "They provide an excellent platform for research and development and are in high demand by test pilot schools across North America.

"As for adversary threat replication, this platform is exactly what the operators want to see for dissimilar, large-scale training environments. Draken is able to provide the multipackage scenario during large force exercises."

Draken did not say when the aircraft were delivered and did not provide details on their cost.

The company maintains the largest fleet of privately owned tactical aircraft in the world. The fleet includes more than 50 ex-military aircraft.