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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NewsFrench navy receives final upgraded ATL-2 maritime patrol aircraft
France has completed a major upgrade to its navy-operated fleet of Dassault-Breguet ATL-2 maritime patrol aircraft, with the type expected to remain in operational use until a replacement capability enters service by 2035.
NewsCanada’s first Pilatus PC-21 Siskin II trainer enters flight-testing in Switzerland
Pilatus has completed the first flight of a PC-21 trainer produced for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), ahead of starting deliveries in the second half of this year.
NewsNew Zealand Defence Force picks Syos to deliver uncrewed systems capability
Syos is to equip the New Zealand Defence Force with a variety of uncrewed systems, including its SA2 and SA7 quadcopters.
NewsDraken boosts UK 'Red Air' service delivery with L-159E after completing first depot-level inspection
Adversary training specialist Draken has completed a first depot-level inspection on one of the Aero Vodochody L-159Es it uses to deliver ‘Red Air’ services in support of training by the UK Royal Air Force.
NewsBAE Systems expands UAS technology pact with US partner Survice Engineering
BAE Systems’ FalconWorks unit is to expand its collaboration with US partner Survice Engineering, after a successful pact based on the T-150 uncrewed aerial system.
NewsBAE officials upbeat over follow-on Typhoon prospect with Saudi Arabia
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.