A cargo container was opened at Lakeland Linder International Airport, about 30 miles from Tampa in Florida. Inside was a guided missile. Lakeland airport hasn’t had scheduled commercial air service since 2012 when Direct Air, which flew Boeing 737s to Myrtle Beach, Niagara Falls, and Springfield, Illinois. They do have substantial general aviation, including a customs facility.
The shipping container with the missile, from Draken International, came with aircraft pieces inside as well. Draken provides fighter aircraft on a contract basis – as one does – and is based at the airport. Air Force explosive technicians were brought in, and the airport was evacuated. The warhead was live – but it wasn’t armed. (At least this wasn’t being shipped on a commercial airline — maybe some government “oversight” needed when shipping live missiles — YA THINK?)
