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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NewsBahrain still considering Cobra fleet renewal deal with surplus Bell AH-1Ws
Bahrain’s military fleet renewal could be set to advance further, with a potential acquisition of ex-US Marine Corps (USMC) Bell AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopters still in the mix.
NewsL3Harris prepares F-16’s Viper Shield EW system for flight-tests
L3Harris is anticipating the launch of a flight-test campaign involving its Viper Shield electronic warfare (EW) system – technology that will play a key role in protecting new Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters operated by nations including Bahrain.
NewsUAE air force welcomes its fourth A330 MRTT tanker
Airbus Defence & Space has delivered its latest A330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) to the United Arab Emirates, boosting the Gulf nation’s fleet of the type to four examples.
NewsPakistan displays JF-17 Block III fighter at Bahrain show
The Pakistan air force’s (PAF’s) JF-17 Thunder fighter is making a repeat appearance at the show, with three of the jets in attendance – including one in the Chengdu/Pakistan Aeronautical Complex-developed type’s new Block III standard.
NewsRBAF shows off new Bell 505 training helicopter
One of the Royal Bahraini Air Force’s (RBAF’s) new Bell 505 training helicopters is making the type’s debut appearance at the show, within the static display.
AnalysisBahrain’s strengthened air force stars at home show
Manama’s strengthened military capability is proudly on display at the Bahrain air show, with its air force’s newest and most capable-ever combat aircraft to take a starring role.
NewsSweden picks C-390 airlifter, as Brazil seeks extra Gripens
Sweden has announced its intention to buy Embraer’s C-390 airlifter, under a bilateral agreement which would also see Brazil acquire another nine Saab Gripen E/F fighters.
NewsMBDA propels system testing on future cruise and anti-ship missiles
MBDA has produced the first prototype of a future cruise missile being developed for France and the UK, with the design already having undergone radio frequency-signature testing.
NewsNetherlands signs contract for 12 H225M Caracals
The Netherlands has signed a production order for 12 Airbus Helicopters H225M rotorcraft: two fewer than it had originally planned to acquire for its special forces-support requirement.
NewsUK 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.
NewsCzech 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.
NewsLow 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 depthHow 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.
InterviewWhy 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.
NewsSaab 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.
NewsRAF’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.
NewsThailand 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.
NewsAirbus 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”.
NewsRussia 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.
NewsLeonardo 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.