Craig Hoyle
Craig Hoyle joined Flight International in 2003, and has edited the now monthly title since 2015. He has reported on the UK, European and international military aviation sector for more than 25 years, and produces our annual World Air Forces directory.
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NewsGKN Aerospace to complete Gripen C/D engine upgrade for Sweden
GKN Aerospace has been awarded the final instalment of a multi-year contract to develop a performance upgrade for the Saab Gripen C/D’s RM12 engine.
NewsPoland’s first Saab 340 AEW aircraft unveiled in Sweden
Poland’s first of two Saab 340 airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft was unveiled for the customer at the Swedish airframer’s Linkoping site on 29 September.
NewsCzech government approves $5bn F-35 purchase
Prague has approved a planned purchase of 24 Lockheed Martin F-35A combat aircraft, valuing a deal as to be worth $5 billion between 2024 and 2034.
NewsRheinmetall gets Luna NG contract for German military
Rheinmetall will deliver a dozen new operational Luna NG unmanned air systems to the German military from 2025, under a funding allocation approved by Berlin on 20 September.
NewsBerlin boosts funding for fleet-wide Eurofighter AESA radar update
Germany’s entire fleet of Eurofighter combat aircraft will be equipped with an in-development active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar from 2025.
NewsBAE Systems, Malloy hail first torpedo drop from unmanned T-600
A BAE Systems and Malloy Aeronautics team has successfully dropped an inert BAE Sting Ray Mod 2 lightweight torpedo from an electric-powered T-600 unmanned air system, as they work to develop an operational capability.
NewsNew Patria simulator to update Finland’s Hawk training system
Finland has ordered a new full mission simulator from Patria to support the continued use of its BAE Systems Hawk advanced jet trainer fleet.
NewsRAF Typhoons make first road-strip landings as ACE expertise spreads
The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) has joined NATO allies in conducting road-strip operations to test their ability to perform under a so-called Agile Combat Employment (ACE) strategy.
Analysis‘New dawn’ for Britten-Norman, as it opens repatriated Islander production line
Britten-Norman (B-N) has heralded “a new dawn” for its evergreen BN-2 Islander, after formally opening a new domestic production line which will next year complete the first wholly UK-built example of the twin-engined type since 1968.
NewsAustria to acquire four Embraer C-390s in Hercules replacement deal
Austria has selected Embraer’s C-390 Millennium as a replacement for its aged fleet of Lockheed Martin C-130Ks, marking the Brazilian airframer’s latest success with the twinjet airlifter.
AnalysisHow partners will stay in formation as GCAP workshare discussions advance
Nine months into their Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) venture, defence ministry and industry leaders from partners Italy, Japan and the UK say they remain in close formation as formal requirements and workshare arrangements continue to take shape.
NewsEuropean buyer orders Elbit SkyStriker loitering munitions
Elbit Systems is to supply an undisclosed European customer with “several hundred” examples of its SkyStriker loitering munition, under a contract valued at $95 million.
NewsBabcock France pact boosts Aeralis market potential
Babcock France has signed a memorandum of understanding with UK developer Aeralis, with the company interested in its modular aircraft design for potential future training deals.
NewsSweden adjusts Gripen E delivery schedule amid fresh capability updates
Sweden has announced plans to adjust its entry into service schedule for the Saab Gripen E, with the step driven by a newly funded package of capability enhancements.
News2Excel starts Boscombe Down test flights with 757 ahead of Excalibur updates
2Excel Aviation’s Excalibur flight test aircraft (FTA) has performed its first sorties from Boscombe Down in Wiltshire ahead of its modification in support of the trinational Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
NewsMARSS unveils portable interceptor to take out hostile drones
MARSS has launched a scaled-down version of its counter-unmanned air system (CUAS) interceptor, and is also pitching an updated version of its original, larger design to meet potential UK requirements.
NewsLockheed Martin flies second KC-130J tanker for German air force
Lockheed Martin has flown the second of three KC-130J tankers ordered for the German air force.
NewsIAI unveils Rotem Alpha loitering munition for anti-tank strikes
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has used the DSEI show in London to launch its Rotem Alpha loitering munition, with the model optimised for use during anti-tank missions.
NewsUK orders Striker II helmet-mounted display for Typhoon pilots
BAE Systems has been awarded a production contract to equip UK Royal Air Force (RAF) Eurofighter Typhoon pilots with its Striker II helmet-mounted display.
NewsAirbus hands over first C295 transport for Indian air force
India’s first C295 tactical transport has been handed over to the customer, with the twin-turboprop due to depart its San Pablo final assembly site near Seville for Delhi “in the next few days”.