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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- News
UK to take first TR-3-standard F-35, as Lockheed targets full 138-unit commitment
The UK is poised to receive its first Lockheed Martin F-35B produced in the stealth fighter’s new Technical Refresh 3 (TR-3) standard, while the airframer steps up its campaign to secure a follow-on production order from the nation.
- News
Czech Republic signs contract for two KC-390 airlifters
The Czech air force will receive its first Embraer KC-390 tactical transport/tanker next year, after Prague signed a two-unit order on 25 October.
- News
Low production rate impacts Saab on T-7A jet trainer programme
Saab expects to be negatively impacted by its role in the Boeing T-7A advanced jet trainer programme for the “next couple of years” before seeing its involvement rewarded, the Swedish company says.
- In depth
How ELT Group is staying on guard as electronic warfare threats evolve
Electronic warfare specialist ELT Group is expanding the self-protection capabilities of current and future platforms, ensuring that military operators can keep clear of hostile threats.
- Interview
Why ex-Tornado navigator Nicola Steevenson is on a mission to encourage others
Inspired to fly by a British Airways newspaper advert, Nicola ‘Rosie’ Steevenson served as a navigator in the Royal Air Force and now focuses on human factors, safety, and encouraging others.
- News
Saab ready to advance Gripen E contract discussions with Thailand
Saab is entering into contract discussions with Thailand over a proposed purchase of Gripen E/F combat aircraft, as the Swedish manufacturer eyes additional international sales opportunities.
- News
RAF’s first Wedgetail receives service markings
The UK’s first Boeing E-7 Wedgetail has received its service markings, ahead of the surveillance aircraft’s delivery to the Royal Air Force (RAF) next year.
- News
Thailand signs IRIS-T support deal with Diehl Defence
Diehl Defence has been awarded a support contract linked to the Royal Thai Air Force’s use of its IRIS-T short-range air-to-air missile across multiple combat types.
- News
Airbus defence division to shed 2,500 jobs, as challenges persist
Airbus’s defence unit is to reduce its headcount by up to 2,500 personnel, with the cuts driven by what it describes as a “continued complex business environment”.
- News
Russia shot down its own UCAV to avoid capture by Ukraine, UK MoD says
The Russian military shot down one of its own unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAVs) early this month, rather than risk the stealthy asset being captured by Ukraine, a western intelligence assessment has concluded.
- News
Leonardo UK launches BriteStorm stand-in jammer, with big US ambitions
Leonardo UK has launched its latest airborne electronic warfare (EW) product, with the BriteStorm payload to enable small unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) to perform stand-in jamming tasks such as targeting enemy integrated air defence systems.
- News
Britten-Norman lands fresh investment to transform Islander production
UK airframer Britten-Norman plans to accelerate production of its Islander utility aircraft, after receiving a fresh funding boost from a Northern Ireland-based investor.
- News
Saudi Arabia advances Hellfire, AIM-9X missile deals worth $900 million
Saudi Arabia has secured US Department of State approval to advance planned purchases of air-launched weapons worth more than a combined $900 million.
- News
Airbus, Multiverse to explore gesture-based control technology for future fighters
Airbus Defence & Space will work with Multiverse Computing to build and test a gesture-based control system for future fighter aircraft.
- News
French air force will field operational UCAV from 2033
France will field an operational unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) from 2033, with the future system to draw on Dassault Aviation’s experience with leading Europe’s Neuron technology demonstration programme last decade.
- News
NOAA orders two C-130Js for hurricane hunter fleet renewal
Lockheed Martin will produce two specially-configured C-130J tactical transports for use by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
- News
Prague poised to sign $492m contract for two KC-390s
The Czech Republic aims to finalise a contract for two Embraer KC-390 tactical transport/tankers before the end of next month, with the NATO nation expecting to field its first example during 2025.
- News
Mwari has key counter-insurgency role for Mozambique, Paramount says
Paramount has disclosed limited details about its Mwari aircraft’s operational performance for customer Mozambique, describing the type as having “played a key role in counter-insurgency operations”.
- News
CAE signs simulator development deal for Canada’s FaCT programme
CAE has signed a roughly $1.7 billion contract linked to the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Future Air Crew Training (FAcT) programme.
- News
Embraer C/KC-390 deliveries reach double figures with Brazilian shipment
Deliveries of the Embraer C/KC-390 tanker/transport have reached double-figures, following the Brazilian manufacturer’s latest shipment to its domestic customer.