Flying high

Draken International fulfills a need most people don't even know exists.

And, more significantly, Draken executives, in four years, have built the largest fleet of privately owned tactical training aircraft in the world out of a facility at the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport. With 50 jets and more on the way, the company provides a safe training alternative for the U.S. military and their allies in several vital areas: airborne adversary support, threat simulation, aerial refueling, research, testing and other suitable missions.

It's important work, and Draken is on a growth track. The company - with $5 million to $10 million in annual revenues — made a commitment two years ago to hire 55 people and spend $6.7 million to expand its headquarters and operations center by 2016. It's on track to do that, with 45 employees and 10 additional pilots coming onboard soon. And, according to executives, there's more expansion to come.