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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NewsCroatian air force retires Europe’s last MiG-21 fighters
The last European user of the Cold War-era Mikoyan MiG-21 – Croatia – has formally withdrawn the aged type from frontline use, as it continues to transition to the Dassault Aviation Rafale.
NewsGerman Eurofighter launches Luftwaffe’s first Meteor missile
Germany has conducted its first firing of MBDA’s Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile from one of its Eurofighter combat aircraft.
NewsQatar broadens defence partnership with the UK, including pilot training
Qatar and the UK have broadened their defence partnership, with new initiatives including “extending and expanding collaboration and knowledge sharing across the joint UK-Qatar [Eurofighter] Typhoon and [BAE Systems] Hawk aircraft squadrons”.
NewsAirbus details 5% staff reduction target for defence and space unit
Airbus has detailed proposed reductions that will reduce the headcount of its defence unit by approximately 5% over the next 18 months, with just over 2,000 posts to be removed.
NewsNorthrop’s CIRCM system to protect UK’s extended-range Chinooks
Northrop Grumman has been contracted to provide its common infrared countermeasures (CIRCM) technology for use by the Royal Air Force’s future fleet of 14 Boeing CH-47 Chinook extended-range transport helicopters.
AnalysisUK’s Strategic Defence Review process poised to enter next phase
The UK government’s Strategic Defence Review process is poised to enter its next phase, following the completion of an initial consultation period.
NewsSaab steps up counter-drone training offer, with UK as first customer
Saab has launched a new uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) training service, and named the UK armed forces as its first customer for the technology.
NewsRAF, Skunk Works collaborate to trial transatlantic F-35 data transfer
Lockheed Martin and the Royal Air Force (RAF) have conducted a claimed world-first test during which live data was relayed from an F-35 stealth fighter airborne in the USA to a UK-developed command and control (C2) system on the other side of the Atlantic.
NewsUK launches new defence industrial strategy review, with resilience key
The UK government has begun work on a new defence industrial strategy, which it says will define steps to increase national resilience, prioritise investment in domestic companies, and boost exports.
NewsHelsing launches HX-2 attack drone to help guard NATO’s eastern flank
Europe’s Helsing has unveiled a new precision-guided attack drone with a range of up to 54nm (100km), with the design drawing on its experience gained while supporting the Ukrainian armed forces.
NewsSpanish Eurofighter makes first flight with AESA radar installed
A first flight has been completed by a Spanish air force Eurofighter equipped with a new active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.
NewsBabcock, KAI join forces for European training sector push
Babcock and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) will jointly pursue training opportunities in Europe, under the terms of a newly signed memorandum of understanding.
NewsSkyAlyne signs G120TP, PC-21 trainer contracts in support of Canadian FAcT programme
Grob Aircraft and Pilatus have been awarded contracts to supply a combined 42 new turboprop-powered aircraft for use as part of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s future pilot training system.
AnalysisWhy UK’s Watchkeeper UAV failed the test of time
The UK government’s decision to send its Watchkeeper uncrewed air vehicles (UAVs) into early retirement marks an ignominious end for a once-ambitious effort to boost the British Army’s airborne intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities.
NewsAEC Skyline-Top Aces team lands Dutch adversary training service deal
The Royal Netherlands Air Force has selected AEC Skyline and Top Aces to provide advanced adversary air training services from 1 January 2025.
NewsEmbraer picks Fokker Services Group for Dutch C-390 modification work
Fokker Services Group (FSG) is to develop an update package “including turnkey engineering, certification and modification services” for nine C-390 airlifters on order for the Netherlands and partner Austria.
AnalysisWhich types left use during our latest World Air Forces review?
We detail some of the most notable national fleet retirements recorded in the 12 months since we published our last World Air Forces directory at the end of 2023.
NewsPiaggio delivers new Avanti Evo+ trainers to Italian air force
Italy’s air force has taken delivery of three new Piaggio Aerospace P180 Avanti Evo+ aircraft to support training activities.
NewsPolish armed forces take delivery of last two S-70i Black Hawks
Lockheed Martin’s PZL Mielec subsidiary has delivered its last S-70i Black Hawks to the Polish armed forces, completing orders for a total of eight examples.
AnalysisHow the global military fleet shapes up in our 2025 World Air Forces review
Our annual World Air Forces directory – published in association with Embraer – details the military aircraft fleets of 161 nations, and analyses the main events of the last 12 months.