FlightAcesHigh
@flightaceshigh.bsky.social
European Defence Editor and Flight International Editor for FlightGlobal.com, covering all things military aviation. And a lapsed biker.
Don't miss the latest FlightGlobal Focus podcast, where the defence team discusses China/Taiwan, US basing concerns and the world of ACE and dispersed operations... open.spotify.com/show/4FH4ee7...
Airpower at risk: New report warns US strategy may fail against China
open.spotify.com
November 11, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Don't miss the latest FlightGlobal Focus podcast, where the defence team discusses China/Taiwan, US basing concerns and the world of ACE and dispersed operations... open.spotify.com/show/4FH4ee7...
Russia’s Su-57 fighter to take part in flying display at Dubai air show. I think we'll all be watching the skies for this one next week - first time for Russia's fifth-generation fighter in the Middle East. Whatever happened to Su-75 Checkmate, we wonder... www.flightglobal.com/defence/russ...
Russia’s Su-57 fighter to take part in flying display at Dubai air show
Russia's fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 fighter will make its debut Dubai air show appearance next week, Moscow's state-owned Rostec conglomerate has announced.
www.flightglobal.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Russia’s Su-57 fighter to take part in flying display at Dubai air show. I think we'll all be watching the skies for this one next week - first time for Russia's fifth-generation fighter in the Middle East. Whatever happened to Su-75 Checkmate, we wonder... www.flightglobal.com/defence/russ...
Could Saab Gripen E buy give Ukraine ‘Wings for victory’? Opinion article from the new issue of Flight International www.flightglobal.com/flight-inter...
Could Gripen E buy give Ukraine ‘Wings for victory’?
Having already secured Lockheed Martin F-16s from European allies, Ukraine's leader now wants to buy up to 150 new Gripen E fighters, along with US-produced attack and utility helicopters.
www.flightglobal.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Could Saab Gripen E buy give Ukraine ‘Wings for victory’? Opinion article from the new issue of Flight International www.flightglobal.com/flight-inter...
BAE Systems, Turkish Aerospace sign unmanned systems technology pact, eyeing "a range of compelling and cost-effective solutions". Nice excuse to use a shot of the Anka III... www.flightglobal.com/defence/bae-...
BAE Systems, Turkish Aerospace sign unmanned systems technology pact
BAE Systems and Turkish Aerospace are to "explore common opportunities on uncrewed systems", having signed a joint memorandum of understanding linked to the establishment of a strategic alliance.
www.flightglobal.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:01 PM
BAE Systems, Turkish Aerospace sign unmanned systems technology pact, eyeing "a range of compelling and cost-effective solutions". Nice excuse to use a shot of the Anka III... www.flightglobal.com/defence/bae-...
Denmark, Germany and NATO among GlobalEye sales prospects, Saab CEO says. Also currently awaiting contract signature from France, after June selection (2 + 2 options). www.flightglobal.com/defence/denm...
Denmark, Germany and NATO among GlobalEye sales prospects, Saab CEO says
European interest in Saab's GlobalEye surveillance aircraft is continuing to build, as the Swedish company awaits the finalisation of a deal to supply the platform to the French air force.
www.flightglobal.com
October 24, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Denmark, Germany and NATO among GlobalEye sales prospects, Saab CEO says. Also currently awaiting contract signature from France, after June selection (2 + 2 options). www.flightglobal.com/defence/denm...
Saab discussing extra production hub to support Ukrainian Gripen E purchase, CEO Micael Johansson says. Step would be in addition to boosting annual output using existing lines in Linkoping and Brazil. Kyiv wants 100-150 jets. www.flightglobal.com/defence/saab...
Saab discussing extra production hub to support Ukrainian Gripen E purchase
Saab is already looking at ways of significantly increasing production of its Gripen E fighter to satisfy a major opportunity to equip the Ukrainian air force from later this decade, chief executive M...
www.flightglobal.com
October 24, 2025 at 10:16 AM
Saab discussing extra production hub to support Ukrainian Gripen E purchase, CEO Micael Johansson says. Step would be in addition to boosting annual output using existing lines in Linkoping and Brazil. Kyiv wants 100-150 jets. www.flightglobal.com/defence/saab...
HAV locks in ‘innovative defence contractor’ as customer for three Airlander 10 hybrid airships (placed as reservations). UK developer says design could perform military tasks like transport, persistent ISR, maritime surveillance or even drone carrier... www.flightglobal.com/hav-locks-in...
HAV locks in ‘innovative defence contractor’ as customer for three Airlander 10 hybrid airships
An undisclosed customer has secured reservations for three Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV)-produced Airlander 10 aircraft for use in support of military tasks - the first examples of the type "destined for ...
www.flightglobal.com
October 23, 2025 at 4:14 PM
HAV locks in ‘innovative defence contractor’ as customer for three Airlander 10 hybrid airships (placed as reservations). UK developer says design could perform military tasks like transport, persistent ISR, maritime surveillance or even drone carrier... www.flightglobal.com/hav-locks-in...
Ukrainian air force could acquire up to 150 Saab Gripen E fighters from 2026 via pact with Sweden. Interest had previously assumed to be in acquiring surplus C/D-model examples from Stockholm. Follows Kyiv's recent LOI for Bell AH-1Z & UH-1Y helicopters. www.flightglobal.com/defence/ukra...
Ukrainian air force could acquire up to 150 Gripen E fighters from 2026 via pact with Sweden
Ukraine has announced its interest in making a possible major acquisition of Saab Gripen E fighters, with a letter of intent having been signed with the Swedish government on 22 October.
www.flightglobal.com
October 22, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Ukrainian air force could acquire up to 150 Saab Gripen E fighters from 2026 via pact with Sweden. Interest had previously assumed to be in acquiring surplus C/D-model examples from Stockholm. Follows Kyiv's recent LOI for Bell AH-1Z & UH-1Y helicopters. www.flightglobal.com/defence/ukra...
First two Saab Gripen E fighters arrive for Swedish air force service at Satenas base (file image used; delivered jets are numbered 609 & 610). Hoping for more details during company's financial results call this Friday! www.flightglobal.com/defence/firs...
October 22, 2025 at 10:23 AM
First two Saab Gripen E fighters arrive for Swedish air force service at Satenas base (file image used; delivered jets are numbered 609 & 610). Hoping for more details during company's financial results call this Friday! www.flightglobal.com/defence/firs...
Baykar’s Kizilelma soars through AESA integration and weapons testing; also involving Aselsan and Roketsan. Turkish developer is maintaining impressive momentum with UCAV project, with deliveries due from 2026 www.flightglobal.com/baykars-kizi...
Baykar’s Kizilelma soars through AESA integration and weapons testing
Baykar Technologies' Kizilelma unmanned combat air vehicle has been flown for the first time with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar installed, and also has successfully trialled the ...
www.flightglobal.com
October 22, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Baykar’s Kizilelma soars through AESA integration and weapons testing; also involving Aselsan and Roketsan. Turkish developer is maintaining impressive momentum with UCAV project, with deliveries due from 2026 www.flightglobal.com/baykars-kizi...
Airbus Helicopters open to H225 Super Puma’s return for oil and gas operations - a final piece from my visit to Marignane last week. Was nice to see a lovely H225M Caracal for the French air force up-close during the visit though! www.flightglobal.com/aerospace/ai...
October 21, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Airbus Helicopters open to H225 Super Puma’s return for oil and gas operations - a final piece from my visit to Marignane last week. Was nice to see a lovely H225M Caracal for the French air force up-close during the visit though! www.flightglobal.com/aerospace/ai...
Among the fast-jet discussions during our new FlightGlobal Focus defence-team podcast: ejection seat anxiety; feeling unwell; and logbook wishlists (mine: Tornado, Gripen F and - way off piste: Apache). And a great opener from Ryan on his recent M-346N flight open.spotify.com/show/4FH4ee7...
What's it like to fly in a fighter jet? The defence team share their best (and worst) experiences in the cockpit
open.spotify.com
October 20, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Among the fast-jet discussions during our new FlightGlobal Focus defence-team podcast: ejection seat anxiety; feeling unwell; and logbook wishlists (mine: Tornado, Gripen F and - way off piste: Apache). And a great opener from Ryan on his recent M-346N flight open.spotify.com/show/4FH4ee7...
Monday means a new podcast release from FlightGlobal Focus. This week the defence team "feel the need" to share their fast-jet experiences, including Ryan Finnerty's M-346N ride, Greg Waldron's Super Hornet trip, and Harrier, Typhoon & Hawks for me open.spotify.com/show/4FH4ee7...
What's it like to fly in a fighter jet? The defence team share their best (and worst) experiences in the cockpit
open.spotify.com
October 20, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Monday means a new podcast release from FlightGlobal Focus. This week the defence team "feel the need" to share their fast-jet experiences, including Ryan Finnerty's M-346N ride, Greg Waldron's Super Hornet trip, and Harrier, Typhoon & Hawks for me open.spotify.com/show/4FH4ee7...
Lightweight Martlet missile cleared for frontline use with Royal Navy Wildcats. Milestone follows successful test firings against aerial target drones and small uncrewed surface vessels using Thales UK supersonic weapon. www.flightglobal.com/defence/ligh...
Lightweight Martlet missile cleared for frontline use with Royal Navy Wildcats
The Royal Navy (RN) has declared full operational capability (FOC) for the Thales UK-produced Martlet missile with its Leonardo Helicopters Wildcat rotorcraft.
www.flightglobal.com
October 18, 2025 at 9:34 PM
Lightweight Martlet missile cleared for frontline use with Royal Navy Wildcats. Milestone follows successful test firings against aerial target drones and small uncrewed surface vessels using Thales UK supersonic weapon. www.flightglobal.com/defence/ligh...
Boeing steps up promotion of T-7A for Royal Air Force Hawk replacement need. Red Hawk is "a really good fit" for T1/T2 successor deal, Boeing UK executive says - we're still waiting on formal requirement and procurement plan details to emerge www.flightglobal.com/defence/boei...
Boeing steps up promotion of T-7A for UK Royal Air Force Hawk replacement need
Boeing is stepping up its efforts to promote the T-7A Red Hawk for a near-term requirement to equip the UK Royal Air Force (RAF) with new advanced jet trainers and aerobatic display aircraft.
www.flightglobal.com
October 17, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Boeing steps up promotion of T-7A for Royal Air Force Hawk replacement need. Red Hawk is "a really good fit" for T1/T2 successor deal, Boeing UK executive says - we're still waiting on formal requirement and procurement plan details to emerge www.flightglobal.com/defence/boei...
Turkey finalises deal to acquire 12 ex-RoyalAirForce Lockheed Martin C-130J airlifters. One of those worst-kept-secret stories at last gets over the line. Transfers to follow maintenance and modernisation work by Marshall Aerospace. Bargain buy! www.flightglobal.com/defence/turk...
Turkey finalises deal to acquire 12 ex-Royal Air Force C-130J airlifters
Turkey's defence ministry has confirmed that a long-expected deal for the nation to acquire a dozen ex-UK Royal Air Force (RAF) Lockheed Martin C-130J tactical transports has been finalised.
www.flightglobal.com
October 17, 2025 at 10:10 AM
Turkey finalises deal to acquire 12 ex-RoyalAirForce Lockheed Martin C-130J airlifters. One of those worst-kept-secret stories at last gets over the line. Transfers to follow maintenance and modernisation work by Marshall Aerospace. Bargain buy! www.flightglobal.com/defence/turk...
H160 ramp-up on course as Airbus Helicopters touts growing customer interest. It plans to eventually hit output of 60 per year, including 20 H160M Guepards for French armed forces. From my Marignane visit earlier this week. www.flightglobal.com/aerospace/h1...
H160 ramp-up on course as Airbus Helicopters touts growing customer interest
With more than 50 examples now in use, Airbus Helicopters is pleased with the performance of its H160 model, as it eyes further sales opportunities and the operational introduction from 2028 of its M-...
www.flightglobal.com
October 16, 2025 at 5:48 PM
H160 ramp-up on course as Airbus Helicopters touts growing customer interest. It plans to eventually hit output of 60 per year, including 20 H160M Guepards for French armed forces. From my Marignane visit earlier this week. www.flightglobal.com/aerospace/h1...
Airbus Helicopters expands UAS portfolio, as uncrewed teaming ambitions take off. Former Airbus Defence & Space products including Flexrotor (pictured) have joined its portfolio. Story from a great visit to Marignane site earlier this week. www.flightglobal.com/defence/airb...
Airbus Helicopters expands UAS portfolio, as uncrewed teaming ambitions take off
Airbus Helicopters has expanded its footprint in the tactical uncrewed aerial system (UAS) sector, after integrating several products previously promoted by sister company Airbus Defence & Space.
www.flightglobal.com
October 16, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Airbus Helicopters expands UAS portfolio, as uncrewed teaming ambitions take off. Former Airbus Defence & Space products including Flexrotor (pictured) have joined its portfolio. Story from a great visit to Marignane site earlier this week. www.flightglobal.com/defence/airb...
Germany signs Tranche 5 contract to field another 20 Eurofighters from 2031. A big deal for the Eurofighter consortium and Airbus Defence & Space (re final assembly in Manching) - planned buy was first announced at the ILA Berlin air show in June 2024. www.flightglobal.com/defence/germ...
Germany signs Tranche 5 contract to field another 20 Eurofighters from 2031
Germany has signed a Tranche 5 production contract to acquire a further batch of 20 Eurofighter combat aircraft, confirming an acquisition plan first announced in mid-2024.
www.flightglobal.com
October 15, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Germany signs Tranche 5 contract to field another 20 Eurofighters from 2031. A big deal for the Eurofighter consortium and Airbus Defence & Space (re final assembly in Manching) - planned buy was first announced at the ILA Berlin air show in June 2024. www.flightglobal.com/defence/germ...
Germany’s WTD 61 military test unit takes delivery of Pilatus PC-12 NGX. Turboprop will be used for test pilot training and transport duties, and based in Manching, Bavaria. www.flightglobal.com/defence/germ...
Germany’s WTD 61 military test unit takes delivery of Pilatus PC-12 NGX
Pilatus has delivered a single PC-12 NGX turboprop to the German military's WTD 61 aeronautical test and evaluation unit.
www.flightglobal.com
October 15, 2025 at 7:50 AM
Germany’s WTD 61 military test unit takes delivery of Pilatus PC-12 NGX. Turboprop will be used for test pilot training and transport duties, and based in Manching, Bavaria. www.flightglobal.com/defence/germ...
Sweden extends future fighter system study deal with Saab through 2027. Contract extension from the FMV is worth about $280 million, including flying demonstrators. Image is artist concept from 2024 www.flightglobal.com/defence/swed...
Sweden extends future fighter system study deal with Saab through 2027
Saab has been awarded a contract to continue concept study work on future fighter technology for Sweden, extending an activity which commenced in March 2024.
www.flightglobal.com
October 14, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Sweden extends future fighter system study deal with Saab through 2027. Contract extension from the FMV is worth about $280 million, including flying demonstrators. Image is artist concept from 2024 www.flightglobal.com/defence/swed...
Denmark to acquire 16 more F-35As and collaborative combat aircraft. Plan will boost future fleet of Lockheed Martin stealth fighters to 43, with accelerated purchase sought. www.flightglobal.com/defence/denm...
Denmark to acquire 16 more F-35As and collaborative combat aircraft
The Danish government intends to significantly boost its acquisition of Lockheed Martin F-35As, targeting an eventual fleet strength of 43 of the fifth-generation type.
www.flightglobal.com
October 14, 2025 at 8:59 PM
Denmark to acquire 16 more F-35As and collaborative combat aircraft. Plan will boost future fleet of Lockheed Martin stealth fighters to 43, with accelerated purchase sought. www.flightglobal.com/defence/denm...
Belgian air force welcomes first trio of Lockheed Martin F-35A fighters to its Florennes air base. New arrivals follow 8 examples being used as trainers at Luke AFB in Arizona www.flightglobal.com/defence/belg...
Belgium welcomes first trio of F-35 fighters to its Florennes air base
Belgium has welcomed the first three of its Lockheed Martin F-35As to their home at Florennes air base, with the fifth-generation type to progressively replace its aged Lockheed F-16AM/BMs before the ...
www.flightglobal.com
October 13, 2025 at 10:29 PM
Belgian air force welcomes first trio of Lockheed Martin F-35A fighters to its Florennes air base. New arrivals follow 8 examples being used as trainers at Luke AFB in Arizona www.flightglobal.com/defence/belg...
I'm super-honoured to have been given an outstanding achievement award at last night's Defence Media Awards. Thanks to those who nominated me and judged me a worthy winner! Congrats also to my FlightGlobal defence colleague Ryan Finnerty, who scooped the best breaking news award!
October 13, 2025 at 4:24 PM
I'm super-honoured to have been given an outstanding achievement award at last night's Defence Media Awards. Thanks to those who nominated me and judged me a worthy winner! Congrats also to my FlightGlobal defence colleague Ryan Finnerty, who scooped the best breaking news award!
Dassault hails Rafale’s success as 300th example clears production. Airframer has not disclosed which customer the jet is for, or released images of it. Good excuse though for a snapshot review of the current fleet and future output... www.flightglobal.com/defence/dass...
Dassault hails Rafale’s success as 300th example clears production
French airframer Dassault Aviation has marked the completion of its 300th Rafale fighter.
www.flightglobal.com
October 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Dassault hails Rafale’s success as 300th example clears production. Airframer has not disclosed which customer the jet is for, or released images of it. Good excuse though for a snapshot review of the current fleet and future output... www.flightglobal.com/defence/dass...