25 February 2026

More new jobs have been advertised at Draken at Teesside Airport following the UK Labour Government’s £173 million contract awarded last year, securing Draken’s operations at Teesside and supporting more than 200 UK jobs.

Of the new roles now live, six have been advertised this month alone – including aircraft engineers, a crew chief and an operations manager – alongside opportunities for service leavers to continue their careers in aviation.

It comes as construction is underway on the £7 million new hangar Hangar 362, which will house advanced combat aircraft used to train RAF pilots over the North Sea. The MoD contract provides high-end operational readiness training for the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and Army, reinforcing Teesside’s long-standing contribution to national security.

Luke Myer MP has consistently made the case for greater defence investment in the North East, leading a debate in Parliament last year calling for stronger procurement support, skills coordination and regional growth.

MP for Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland Luke Myer said:

“Teesside has always played its part in defending our country, and this investment shows what is possible when national defence spending prioritises regional growth. The £173 million contract from this Labour Government is now translating into real jobs, new apprenticeships and long-term investment in our region. That’s good for national security, and it’s good for local families.

I will keep pushing for a joined-up approach – bringing together government, the combined authority, education providers and employers so that young people here on Teesside can access these skilled, well-paid jobs as the sector continues to grow.”