L-159 Captain

Draken Europe; England; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Draken Managed Path

Job summary

Draken Europe, based at Teesside International Airport in the UK, is seeking experienced fast-jet pilots to join our Red Air Aggressor team flying the Aero L-159 ‘Honey Badger’.

Relocation support is available, and our Draken Managed Path helps pilots navigate the UK CAA licensing process with ease.

Qualifications

• Military fast-jet experience (ideally within last 6 years).
• NATO Secret clearance, or ability to obtain this.
• UK CPL(A) or ATPL(A) (ICAO-compliant).
• UK CAA Class 1 medical (or ICAO-compliant).
• AUPRT course completed.

Skills

Military fast-jet

NATO Secret clearance

CPL/ATPL

CAA Class 1 medical

AUPRT

Job description

Draken offer exciting careers that matter. We believe that mission success does not start with the mission itself. It begins with our people. That’s why we invest in you—your skills, your growth, and your future.

At Drakenwe areredefining air combat training—and we’re looking for exceptional fast-jet pilots to join our elite Red Air Aggressor team flying the formidableAero L-159 ‘Honey Badger’.

This is more than a job. It’s a career that matters.

Your Next Chapter Starts at Teesside

Based atTeesside International Airport, you’ll operate in one of the UK’s most scenic regions, with theNorth Yorkshire MoorsandYorkshire Dalesjust moments away—perfect for those who value adventure both in and out of the cockpit.

Relocation supportis available, and ourDraken Managed Pathprogramme helps pilots navigate the UK CAA licensing process with ease.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking experienced fast-jet pilots with a strong military background and a passion for excellence. You’ll bring:

• Proven airborne leadership and operational decision-making
• A sharp focus on safety, compliance, and mission delivery
• Adaptability in dynamic environments
• Clear, confident communication with internal and external stakeholders

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Military fast-jet experience (ideally within last 6 years)
• NATO Secret clearance, or ability to obtain this
• Valid UK CPL(A) or ATPL(A) (or ICAO-compliant equivalent)
• UK CAA Class 1 medical (or ICAO-compliant equivalent)
• AUPRT course completed

Desirable

• 1000+ hours on fast jets
• Qualified Weapons Instructor or Flying Instructor
• Experience with radar-equipped, single-seat platforms
• MCC course

Operational Knowledge

• Deep understanding of customer mission requirements
• Experience in military/government aviation
• Civil aviation experience – Desirable
• Competence with Microsoft Office tools – Desirable

Why Draken?

• Fly cutting-edge platforms in a high-impact role
• Be part of a mission-driven team shaping the future of air combat training
• Enjoy a supportive, professional environment with career development opportunities

Our employee values

Draken is committed to eliminating unlawful and unfair discrimination and we celebrate the differences that a diverse workforce brings. A range of perspective and talent supports our values and drives our success, with a mix of voices generating better discussions, business decisions and outcomes for all.

To us, diversity means bringing your own perspective to the conversation; inclusion means having a voice - and e quality means that your voice is heard.

At all our sites internationally, every member of the Draken team is accountable to ensure that we are all treated fairly and with respect.

Intolerance has no place in our Company. We condemn it outright. Instead, we strive to create a culture where each person who joins our team feels they have the opportunity to succeed, to grow, and to work within an environment where they can be themselves.

We are also an Armed Forces friendly organisation, and as part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, welcome applications from veterans and services spouses and partners who met the criteria in our job specifications.

In line with our Disability Confident Commitments, we provide reasonable adjustments to facilitate our interview process, please liaise with us if any reasonable adjustments are required.