ATAC (Airborne Tactical Advantage Company)

ATAC, the Airborne Tactical Advantage Company, provides contracted air support and adversary training to the U.S. Department of Defense. Its headquarters are in Newport News, Virginia. The company says it pioneered much of what are now industry standards for contracted air services.

ATAC operates a fleet of more than 90 aircraft. It has flown over 125,000 flight hours in support of U.S. and international armed forces, with nearly 25 years of operating experience. Its aircraft include the Mirage F1, F-21 KFIR, MK-58 Hawker Hunter and L-39 Albatross.

The company helps train crews from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps. It regularly operates from as many as 25 air bases per year across the continental United States, Hawaii and the Western Pacific.

Air to air training gives crews realistic adversary support. Air to surface training covers attack missions. Fleet integrated training covers unit level training, strike fighter readiness, composite training unit exercises, surface warfare training and carrier and expeditionary strike group support.

ATAC has supported U.S. Navy Fleet Integrated Training for about 20 years. The company is the sole provider of target tow for U.S. Navy forces in Japan and Hawaii. Its business also supports the Navy's Fleet Fighter Jet Services contract.

Permanent locations include Newport News, Alliance Airfield in Fort Worth, Luke AFB, Tyndall AFB, Point Mugu, MCB Kaneohe Bay and NAF Atsugi in Japan. The company says its motto is training today's warriors for tomorrow's challenges.

In March 2026, ATAC received its 13th consecutive FAA William O'Brien Diamond Award of Excellence. The company was also awarded a U.S. Navy Fleet Fighter Jet Services contract for up to $555 million in air services over five years. A Stand Off Jammer contract for up to $200 million followed in 2025.

Services

• Air to air training
• Air to surface training
• Fleet integrated training
• Research and development support
• Adversary air services
• Target tow services
• Contracted air support