F-35As from 58th FS dogfight against the L-159 for the first time

Four L-159s from Draken International were deployed to Eglin Air Force Base last month to provide aggressor training to F-35As from the 58th Fighter Squadron.

Three L-159 Honeybadgers taxi down the flightline for training on Jan. 24th, 2019, at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The L-159 was originally part of the Czech Air Force before being retired and resold. Now the aircraft gives F-35A Lightning II pilots from the 58th Fighter Squadron a chance to take on a unique target in training. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Cassidy Woody)

The unit is charged with training F-35A student and instructor pilots.

Having adversary support from a contractor allows instructor pilots to spend less time playing the role of red air and focus more on teaching students.

Source

Draken International Supports USAF F-35s at Eglin Air Force Base