Lakeland fighter-jet company seeks state funds for expansion

The world’s largest collection of tactical air support fighter jets is stored inside a 100,000-square-foot hangar across from the flight line at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport.

There are eight U.S.-built Douglas A-4K Skyhawks, nine Italian-made Aermacchi MB-339CB fighters and five Aero L-39 Albatross fighters. The hangar is also home to 28 Mikoyan MiG 21s, purchased from Poland, in various parts, waiting to be rebuilt.

It is a unique aerial armada that, among other missions, helps U.S. and allied combat pilots learn how to dogfight. And the company is about to add to the collection.

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