New Zealand A-4Ks finally coming to the US - Just not to Arizona

[Joe Copalman]

There's been talk for ages about the mothballed RNZAF A-4Ks coming to Arizona to equip a Contract Air Service unit at Gateway, but that's been on hold for a long time, apparently due to the State Department holding up the sale.  Later versions of the story had not only the Skyhawks coming to AZ, but also the RZNAF's retired fleet of Aermacchi MB-339s.  Well, it looks like these birds are FINALLY coming to the US, but not to Arizona.

Draken International, the Lakeland, Florida-based contractor that recently took possession of the two ex-ATAC A-4Ls and painted them in Black Diamond display team markings, has apparently gotten the green light from the State Department to bring these birds (11 A-4s, 9 MB-339s) to the US, to join a fleet that supposedly includes 25 MiG-21s and 5 L-39s (Black Diamond birds?). 

Story from Draken's website on the A-4 purchase: http://temp.drakenintl.com/news-2

While these aircraft are not going to be based in Arizona, there's still a good chance we'll see them around, either on cross-country fuel stops, or during exercises at the numerous bases out here. 

[Ryan Keough]

I actually think you'll be seeing them at airshows... I have seen a few leaked photos around that shows at least two of them have been repainted into the Black Diamond team colors.

[Chris Kennedy]

The A-4s (if these are the two you mentioned) are not painted exactly the same as the BDJT.

Is there a Zebras Jet Team?  

[Chris Kennedy]

Here's an interesting article about Draken.

http://aviationintel.com/2012/08/07/new-aggressor-in-the-commercial-adversary-support-game-draken-international-bets-big-on-red-air/