As an example, we can put five of our A-4K Skyhawks in the air for the price of a single F-16 on an hourly basis. Utilizing CAS such as Draken positions the government to save upwards of a billion dollars over the next decade. The present budget constraints are forcing the Department of Defense to find innovative ways to save money. What is it about the current defense landscape and the market for contract air support that Draken finds attractive? That is why we searched the world and purchased the best aircraft to exceed the requirements of our important Department of Defense customers. That stated, we weren’t going to enter the industry unless we could differentiate ourselves from those that have tried to create this model previously. So the opportunity is right for the business model we provide. The present fiscal environment calls for cost savings. The demand for the work we perform, CAS, has never been stronger. While we all enjoyed our time flying with Black Diamond, the organization is now extremely focused on our rapidly growing enterprise at Draken. The idea was a collaboration throughout the team and ultimately came to fruition after our first major aircraft acquisition. Jared Isaacman: Draken International did evolve from the Black Diamond Jet Team. Isaacman had, an opportunity recognized by the team members, or did it evolve more broadly?

Jan Tegler: How did the idea for Draken International arise? Apparently, the Black Diamond Jet Team members were instrumental in its formation. The L-39s of Draken International form the core of its fleet, and are derived from the Black Diamond Jet Team. We spoke with Draken CEO Jared Isaacman and Sean Gustafson for details on the new firm. To date, the company has won one small contract with the Navy, which it has been flying in support of since July 2012, according to Sean Gustafson, Draken’s VP of Client Relations. The L-39s that formed the core of its fleet derive from the six-ship L-39-equipped Black Diamond Jet Team that Isaacman formed as the “Heavy Metal Jet Team” in 2011. The firm aims to be the leader in CAS, and along with its large fleet, counts a roster of experienced pilots among its executives and management, and recently retired general/flag officers on its board of advisors. In April, Florida Governor Rick Scott held a press conference to announce that Draken would create 55 jobs and invest $67 million in its Lakeland facilities over the next three years. at Lakeland Linder Airport, Draken International was launched quietly at the end of 2011, but has made considerable noise in 2013. Comprised of ex- Royal New Zealand Air Force A-4K Skyhawks (11), ex-RNZAF MB-339CB trainers (9), Aero L-39s (5), ex-Polish MiG-21bis/UM (25), and Beech Baron and Cessna Citation 650 support aircraft, the group also represents the world’s largest privately-held fleet of tactical aircraft. Led by Jared Isaacman, founder of the successful payments-processing firm Harbortouch, Draken is now physically the largest player in the CAS business, with a fleet of more than 50 tactical aircraft. Now, we take a look at one of the newest and largest entrants into this unique business – Draken International. Defense Media Network has profiled two – ATAC USA and Omega International.

Several private firms fielding fleets of third-generation fighters and trainers, as well as support aircraft, have attempted to fill the gap, offering a range of commercial air services. Marine Corps with little organic adversary support. Cutbacks in defense budgets dating back to the mid-1990s have left the U.S. The market for commercial air services (CAS), alternately known as outsourced flight support, contract adversary support, or commercial Red Air, seems to be gaining altitude.

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