Craig Hoyle
European Defence Editor Craig Hoyle has reported on the UK, European and international military aviation sector for almost 30 years, and has also been the Editor of Flight International since 2015. He joined FlightGlobal in 2003, and also compiles our annual World Air Forces directory.
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NewsBAE officials upbeat over follow-on Typhoon prospect with Saudi Arabia
2026-02-13T17:50:00
UK airframer BAE Systems remains confident that Saudi Arabia will place a long-anticipated follow-on order for the Eurofighter Typhoon, as Riyadh also eyes a possible future role in the currently three-nation Global Combat Air Programme.
NewsLeonardo targets fresh contract opportunities with Eurofighter and M-346 platforms
2026-02-13T17:25:00
With campaigns under way in Bangladesh, the Philippines and Poland, Eurofighter partner company Leonardo is optimistic of further boosting the Typhoon’s order backlog.
NewsDronamics to adapt Black Swan cargo drone for surveillance tasks
2026-02-13T13:28:00
Dronamics is to equip its Black Swan uncrewed aerial vehicle with a new intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance payload supplied by German company Hensoldt.
NewsNew Greek navy frigates to deploy Schiebel’s Camcopter S-100 UAS
2026-02-13T11:10:00
Athens has ordered Schiebel’s Camcopter S-100 uncrewed aerial system (UAS) for operation from its navy’s incoming fleet of French-built frigates.
NewsHelsing’s CA-1 Europa UCAV to fly with Hensoldt sensor package
2026-02-12T17:32:00
Helsing is to integrate sensor technology from fellow German company Hensoldt aboard its CA-1 Europa unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV), the companies have announced.
NewsSpain to launch operational evaluation of InShield DIRCM system on modified A400M airlifter
2026-02-12T16:31:00
The Spanish air force is set to launch an operational evaluation of its first Airbus Defence & Space A400M to have been equipped with a new directed infrared countermeasures suite.
NewsL3Harris details RE-3A upgrade activity for Royal Saudi Air Force
2026-02-10T18:42:00
L3Harris is using the third biennial World Defense Show to underscore its decades-old presence in Saudi Arabia, as work continues to upgrade Riyadh’s most sophisticated airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability.
NewsRiyadh considering EX-standard upgrade for bulk of F-15 fleet, Boeing officials say
2026-02-10T08:50:00
Saudi Arabia is eyeing further updates to its large fleet of F-15 combat aircraft, with Boeing seeing strong potential for new upgrades – or even an order for its “latest and greatest” EX-model version.
NewsIncreased-payload A400M primed for sale to Saudi Arabia, Airbus says
2026-02-10T07:14:00
Airbus Defence & Space is confident that it is a matter of when and not if it will make a marquee sale of its A400M Atlas to the Royal Saudi Air Force.
NewsLockheed Martin promotes F-35 capabilities at Saudi Arabia’s World Defense Show
2026-02-09T13:10:00
Lockheed Martin is exhibiting a full-sized replica of its F-35 at the World Defense Show (WDS), just months after US President Donald Trump suggested that Riyadh could gain approval to acquire the stealth fighter.
NewsSaudi Hawks aerobatic display team returns with replacement jets
2026-02-09T06:02:00
The Saudi Hawks aerobatic display team has returned to the air show circuit, making its first appearance using newly-fielded BAE Systems Hawk 165 advanced jet trainers.
AnalysisHow Gripen E/F, GlobalEye orders propelled fast-growing Saab in 2025
2026-02-05T16:12:00
Saab has reported a record set of quarterly financial results for the last three months of 2025, with its performance having soared thanks to major deals secured by its aeronautics and surveillance business units.
AnalysisEurofighter wins contract to certificate Typhoon’s aerodynamic modification kit
2026-02-05T13:38:00
A long-planned package of aerodynamic enhancements developed for the Eurofighter Typhoon has edged closer to operational reality, with the award of a contract covering development, testing and certification activities.
AnalysisIsrael to boost CH-53K performance with package of Elbit Systems equipment updates
2026-02-05T12:22:00
Elbit Systems is to provide a range of new equipment for installation in a dozen Sikorsky CH-53K heavy-lift helicopters on order for the Israeli air force.
NewsSaudi Arabia requests $3bn support deal for Boeing F-15 fighter fleet
2026-02-04T10:52:00
Riyadh has received approval from the US State Department for a potentially $3 billion package of in-service support for the Royal Saudi Air Force’s Boeing F-15 combat aircraft.
NewsUS Marine Corps’ AH-1Z Vipers to carry L3Harris Red Wolf long-range missiles
2026-02-03T17:58:00
L3Harris Technologies has secured a contract to rapidly produce and deliver Red Wolf air-launched weapons to meet the US Marine Corps’ (USMC’s) Precision Attack Strike Munition (PASM) requirement.
NewsFrench navy to field new VTOL version of Aliaca surveillance drone
2026-02-03T13:23:00
The French navy will field its first vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) version of the Aliaca uncrewed aerial system later this year, under an amended contract with Airbus Helicopters.
NewsIsrael eyes Apache fleet modernisation with $3.8bn AH-64E purchase plan
2026-02-02T10:46:00
Israel wants to modernise its attack helicopter fleet via an order for 30 Boeing AH-64E Apaches, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency has disclosed.
NewsIrish Air Corps poised to launch operations with new Falcon 6X transport
2026-01-30T12:08:00
The Irish Air Corps is poised to begin operations with its newly acquired Dassault Aviation Falcon 6X, with the asset to be employed primarily in a VIP transport role.
NewsLockheed announces $1bn investment to ‘double-down’ on improving F-35’s operational readiness
2026-01-29T16:39:00
Lockheed Martin will spend more of its own money this year to improve the delivery of sustainment services and boost operational readiness rates on the F-35 fighter, chief executive James Taiclet says.