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 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.
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...
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...
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!
With the Royal Navy having made its first test shot of a Kongsberg Defence Naval Strike Missile from HMS Somerset, I wonder if the UK MoD might also consider the air-launched JSM? Does it fit within the Lockheed Martin F-35B weapons bay?
September 30, 2025 at 10:26 AM
With the Royal Navy having made its first test shot of a Kongsberg Defence Naval Strike Missile from HMS Somerset, I wonder if the UK MoD might also consider the air-launched JSM? Does it fit within the Lockheed Martin F-35B weapons bay?
Nice to see that Embraer has given its KC-390 demonstrator a smart new paint job. Now I just need to distract someone long enough to peel off the company logo sticker from the block of flags, to find out who the mystery customer is!
September 22, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Nice to see that Embraer has given its KC-390 demonstrator a smart new paint job. Now I just need to distract someone long enough to peel off the company logo sticker from the block of flags, to find out who the mystery customer is!
Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat makes public flying debut in Australia - initial report from my colleague Greg Waldron's visit to Woomera test range with Boeing Defense Australia and the RAAF earlier today: www.flightglobal.com/boeings-mq-2...
September 5, 2025 at 9:37 AM
Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat makes public flying debut in Australia - initial report from my colleague Greg Waldron's visit to Woomera test range with Boeing Defense Australia and the RAAF earlier today: www.flightglobal.com/boeings-mq-2...
French air force deploys first upgraded Mirage 2000Ds to Djibouti. Modified strike aircraft have joined a trio of Mirage 2000-5F fighters in providing air policing cover www.flightglobal.com/defence/fren...
August 22, 2025 at 6:18 PM
French air force deploys first upgraded Mirage 2000Ds to Djibouti. Modified strike aircraft have joined a trio of Mirage 2000-5F fighters in providing air policing cover www.flightglobal.com/defence/fren...
Embraer's defence unit delivered a total of 4 aircraft in the second quarter of this year, Brazilian airframer's latest results update shows. All of them were A-29 Super Tucanos, handed over to the air force of Paraguay. We can expect a batch of KC-390 shipments before year-end.
August 6, 2025 at 11:19 AM
Embraer's defence unit delivered a total of 4 aircraft in the second quarter of this year, Brazilian airframer's latest results update shows. All of them were A-29 Super Tucanos, handed over to the air force of Paraguay. We can expect a batch of KC-390 shipments before year-end.
By my reckoning, the RIAT appearance by the lead Boeing E-7A Wedgetail for the Royal Air Force was WT001's fifth flight since gaining its MESA radar. Programme pace looks to be picking up ahead of IOC during 2026.
July 19, 2025 at 4:20 PM
By my reckoning, the RIAT appearance by the lead Boeing E-7A Wedgetail for the Royal Air Force was WT001's fifth flight since gaining its MESA radar. Programme pace looks to be picking up ahead of IOC during 2026.
“Right now, there are still pilots out there who will have a chance. But that will change fast.” So says Saab chief innovation officer, test pilot and astronaut Marcus Wandt of AI evolution in combat air, after recent Gripen E trial www.flightglobal.com/defence/saab...
June 11, 2025 at 6:40 AM
“Right now, there are still pilots out there who will have a chance. But that will change fast.” So says Saab chief innovation officer, test pilot and astronaut Marcus Wandt of AI evolution in combat air, after recent Gripen E trial www.flightglobal.com/defence/saab...
Dorsal intake, delta wings, and stealth: what we know about China’s J-36. Great update by my colleague Greg Waldron after new images emerge online of Beijing's "sixth-generation" fighter www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/d...
April 24, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Dorsal intake, delta wings, and stealth: what we know about China’s J-36. Great update by my colleague Greg Waldron after new images emerge online of Beijing's "sixth-generation" fighter www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/d...
Delighted with my Ed Force One momento from Iron Maiden 747: great service from the Aviationtag folks. I guess it was over-optimistic to have hoped for limited edition number 00666... Loved interviewing Bruce about the jet in 2013 (as the final Jumbo delivered): www.flightglobal.com/aerospace/br...
March 19, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Delighted with my Ed Force One momento from Iron Maiden 747: great service from the Aviationtag folks. I guess it was over-optimistic to have hoped for limited edition number 00666... Loved interviewing Bruce about the jet in 2013 (as the final Jumbo delivered): www.flightglobal.com/aerospace/br...
Sweden to top up MBDA Meteor missile stocks via accelerated buy. Deliveries of new batch of BVRAAM weapons for use on Gripen will start later this year, FMV says www.flightglobal.com/defence/swed...
March 19, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Sweden to top up MBDA Meteor missile stocks via accelerated buy. Deliveries of new batch of BVRAAM weapons for use on Gripen will start later this year, FMV says www.flightglobal.com/defence/swed...
Interesting nugget from Leonardo CEO's strategic update yesterday: suggests the three Global Combat Air Programme partners will order 350 sixth-generation fighters by service entry in 2035. First time I've seen a figure cited by a partner company www.flightglobal.com/aerospace/le...
March 12, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Interesting nugget from Leonardo CEO's strategic update yesterday: suggests the three Global Combat Air Programme partners will order 350 sixth-generation fighters by service entry in 2035. First time I've seen a figure cited by a partner company www.flightglobal.com/aerospace/le...
Don't miss the new issue of Flight International, available for subscribers to view online now via www.flightglobal.com/flight-inter... Coverage includes our annual airline safety review, Airbus & Boeing updates, and an Avalon air show preview re Ghost Bat, A330 MRTT
March 11, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Don't miss the new issue of Flight International, available for subscribers to view online now via www.flightglobal.com/flight-inter... Coverage includes our annual airline safety review, Airbus & Boeing updates, and an Avalon air show preview re Ghost Bat, A330 MRTT
Embraer touts Middle East’s potential for expanding C-390 customer list. From pre-IDEX (and post-Aero India) interview with defence unit CCO Frederico Lemos. Also potential for a new customer in Latin America soon? www.flightglobal.com/defence/embr...
February 18, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Embraer touts Middle East’s potential for expanding C-390 customer list. From pre-IDEX (and post-Aero India) interview with defence unit CCO Frederico Lemos. Also potential for a new customer in Latin America soon? www.flightglobal.com/defence/embr...
Why more EDGE projects are taking off as UAE’s defence ambitions grow. Was great to catch up with CEO Hamad Al Marar ahead of the IDEX show in Abu Dhabi - including on its Jeniah loyal wingman study and other projects www.flightglobal.com/defence/why-...
February 17, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Why more EDGE projects are taking off as UAE’s defence ambitions grow. Was great to catch up with CEO Hamad Al Marar ahead of the IDEX show in Abu Dhabi - including on its Jeniah loyal wingman study and other projects www.flightglobal.com/defence/why-...
Hensoldt to expand work on improved ECRS Mk1 radar for Eurofighter partners Germany and Spain. Step 1 version of AESA sensor will fly later this year www.flightglobal.com/defence/hens...
February 14, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Hensoldt to expand work on improved ECRS Mk1 radar for Eurofighter partners Germany and Spain. Step 1 version of AESA sensor will fly later this year www.flightglobal.com/defence/hens...
Israel Aerospace Industries launches C-catcher surveillance radar deliveries with undisclosed customer. New Elta Systems-developed ELM-2025 AESA suitable for use by fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and UAVs www.flightglobal.com/defence/iai-...
February 12, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Israel Aerospace Industries launches C-catcher surveillance radar deliveries with undisclosed customer. New Elta Systems-developed ELM-2025 AESA suitable for use by fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and UAVs www.flightglobal.com/defence/iai-...
French army receives its final NH90 Caiman in TTH utility standard - 63rd example accepted by the DGA. A further 18, SF-roled examples will follow for the service from next year www.flightglobal.com/defence/fren...
February 5, 2025 at 10:32 AM
French army receives its final NH90 Caiman in TTH utility standard - 63rd example accepted by the DGA. A further 18, SF-roled examples will follow for the service from next year www.flightglobal.com/defence/fren...
Embraer hails KC-390 success 10 years on from twinjet’s debut flight. Just for fun: there are 10 examples in service (Brazil/Hungary/Portugal) and 32 more on firm order, for 8 customer nations (and Slovakia & Sweden to follow)... www.flightglobal.com/defence/embr...
February 4, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Embraer hails KC-390 success 10 years on from twinjet’s debut flight. Just for fun: there are 10 examples in service (Brazil/Hungary/Portugal) and 32 more on firm order, for 8 customer nations (and Slovakia & Sweden to follow)... www.flightglobal.com/defence/embr...
Germany's DLR has flown its Airbus A320 ATRA testbed modified to carry Eurofighter’s ECRS Mk1 radar. Supports Airbus Defence & Space-led activities for Germany and Spain, initially for Quadriga and Halcon I procurements. Looks rather good with a fighter radome! www.flightglobal.com/defence/germ...
January 23, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Germany's DLR has flown its Airbus A320 ATRA testbed modified to carry Eurofighter’s ECRS Mk1 radar. Supports Airbus Defence & Space-led activities for Germany and Spain, initially for Quadriga and Halcon I procurements. Looks rather good with a fighter radome! www.flightglobal.com/defence/germ...
Indonesia’s lead A400M advances in final assembly, ahead of year-end delivery. Image is video grab from Airbus Defence & Space footage of MSN148 coming together. Nation will become the 10th A400M operator. www.flightglobal.com/defence/indo...
January 20, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Indonesia’s lead A400M advances in final assembly, ahead of year-end delivery. Image is video grab from Airbus Defence & Space footage of MSN148 coming together. Nation will become the 10th A400M operator. www.flightglobal.com/defence/indo...