FlightAcesHigh
@flightaceshigh.bsky.social
European Defence Editor and Flight International Editor for FlightGlobal.com, covering all things military aviation. And a lapsed biker.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft model makes debut appearance in the Middle East - on view at the Dubai air show. www.flightglobal.com/defence/gene...
General Atomics’ YFQ-42A model makes debut appearance in Middle East
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems is showcasing its candidate for the US Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) requirement for the first time in the Middle East.
www.flightglobal.com
November 17, 2025 at 2:55 PM
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft model makes debut appearance in the Middle East - on view at the Dubai air show. www.flightglobal.com/defence/gene...
UAE orders Embraer Praetor 600 to meet air force VIP transport need - outline of deal announced on opening day of the Dubai air show. Contract value suggests that more than one will be supplied. www.flightglobal.com/defence/uae-...
UAE orders Embraer’s Praetor 600 to meet air force VIP transport need
Embraer will supply the United Arab Emirates' air force with a VIP-configured version of its Praetor 600 business jet, with the acquisition announced on the opening day of the Dubai air show.
www.flightglobal.com
November 17, 2025 at 2:46 PM
UAE orders Embraer Praetor 600 to meet air force VIP transport need - outline of deal announced on opening day of the Dubai air show. Contract value suggests that more than one will be supplied. www.flightglobal.com/defence/uae-...
L3Harris eyes UAE multi-mission aircraft need with Bombardier Global-derivative. The US company also is poised to announce technology transfer pact with local partner in support of proposal. Pic shows Global 6500 in biz jet guise. www.flightglobal.com/defence/l3ha...
L3Harris eyes UAE multi-mission aircraft need with Bombardier Global-derivative
L3Harris is eyeing an opportunity to equip the United Arab Emirates with a new multi-mission aircraft, pitching a development of the Bombardier 6000/6500 ultra-long-range business jet.
www.flightglobal.com
November 17, 2025 at 2:44 PM
L3Harris eyes UAE multi-mission aircraft need with Bombardier Global-derivative. The US company also is poised to announce technology transfer pact with local partner in support of proposal. Pic shows Global 6500 in biz jet guise. www.flightglobal.com/defence/l3ha...
Here's a much better shot from the Dubai air show's last set-up day (today) showing the UAE's Al Fursan aerobatic display team flying its new L-15 trainers. From the good folks at BillyPix.
November 16, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Here's a much better shot from the Dubai air show's last set-up day (today) showing the UAE's Al Fursan aerobatic display team flying its new L-15 trainers. From the good folks at BillyPix.
Germany’s Eurofighter EK programme advances as Saab lands Arexis electronic warfare system contracts. Pair of deals worth almost €550 million once combined, Swedish company says. www.flightglobal.com/defence/germ...
Germany’s Eurofighter EK programme advances as Saab lands Arexis EW contracts
Saab has been awarded contracts valued at almost a combined €550 million ($639 million) to supply its Arexis electronic warfare (EW) equipment for use on the German air force's future EK-version of th...
www.flightglobal.com
November 16, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Germany’s Eurofighter EK programme advances as Saab lands Arexis electronic warfare system contracts. Pair of deals worth almost €550 million once combined, Swedish company says. www.flightglobal.com/defence/germ...
UAE's Al Fursan display team makes Dubai air show debut with Hongdu L-15 jet trainers. Excuse my low-quality image! www.flightglobal.com/defence/al-f...
Al Fursan display team makes Dubai show debut with Hongdu L-15 jet trainers
The United Arab Emirates' Al Fursan aerobatic display team is making its first Dubai air show appearance flying Chinese-produced Hongdu L-15 advanced jet trainers.
www.flightglobal.com
November 16, 2025 at 10:15 AM
UAE's Al Fursan display team makes Dubai air show debut with Hongdu L-15 jet trainers. Excuse my low-quality image! www.flightglobal.com/defence/al-f...
Embraer KC-390 completes tanker certification trials with Brazilian Gripen Es. Also involving Brazilian air force and Saab personnel, the activity combined pod-equipped tanker and two locally-named F-39E fighters. www.flightglobal.com/defence/embr...
Embraer’s KC-390 completes tanker certification trials with Brazilian Gripen Es
The Brazilian air force, Embraer and Saab have completed a certification flight-test campaign to clear the Gripen E for in-flight refuelling operations with the KC-390 tanker.
www.flightglobal.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Embraer KC-390 completes tanker certification trials with Brazilian Gripen Es. Also involving Brazilian air force and Saab personnel, the activity combined pod-equipped tanker and two locally-named F-39E fighters. www.flightglobal.com/defence/embr...
Don't miss the 2026 World Air Forces directory from @FlightGlobal: a 36-page report available for free download, detailing over 52,200 in-service military aircraft. With special thanks to our sponsor @embraer and data partner @cirium. Visit www.flightglobal.com/defence/2026... to access
November 14, 2025 at 10:28 AM
Don't miss the 2026 World Air Forces directory from @FlightGlobal: a 36-page report available for free download, detailing over 52,200 in-service military aircraft. With special thanks to our sponsor @embraer and data partner @cirium. Visit www.flightglobal.com/defence/2026... to access
Flight International's November issue is now available for subscribers. Highlights include our annual World Air Forces review, a Dubai air show preview, and a business aviation wrap-up post-NBAA. Visit flightglobal.com/flight-international to access your copy or find out how to subscribe.
November 14, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Flight International's November issue is now available for subscribers. Highlights include our annual World Air Forces review, a Dubai air show preview, and a business aviation wrap-up post-NBAA. Visit flightglobal.com/flight-international to access your copy or find out how to subscribe.
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...