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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.

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 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...

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 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 ...

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 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.

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...

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 ...

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...

What's it like to fly in a fighter jet? The defence team share their best (and worst) experiences in the cockpit

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

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 The Royal Navy (RN) has declared full operational capability (FOC) for the Thales UK-produced Martlet missile with its Leonardo Helicopters Wildcat rotorcraft.

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 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.

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-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.

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 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-...

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 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.

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 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.

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 Pilatus has delivered a single PC-12 NGX turboprop to the German military's WTD 61 aeronautical test and evaluation unit.

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 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.

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 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.

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...

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 ...

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!

Dassault hails Rafale’s success as 300th example clears production French airframer Dassault Aviation has marked the completion of its 300th Rafale fighter.

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...

Sweden signs for four C-390s, as Embraer targets further European prospects Sweden has formally signed for a future fleet of four Embraer C-390 tactical transports, with its acquisition being combined with existing orders for Austria and the Netherlands.

Sweden signs for four C-390s, as Embraer targets further European prospects. Group deal between Austria/the Netherlands/Sweden totals 13 of the twinjets, and now has options for up to 7 more for possible future partner nations www.flightglobal.com/defence/swed...

Boeing hands over first P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft for German navy Boeing has handed over the German navy's first P-8A Poseidon to Berlin's BAAINBw defence procurement body, ahead of the maritime patrol aircraft's expected transfer to Europe during November.

Boeing hands over first P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft for German navy - new asset is due to be flown to Nordholz air base during November www.flightglobal.com/defence/boei...

France orders five more Falcon 2000LXS-based Albatros maritime surveillance jets Paris has signed a follow-on order to provide the French navy with a maritime surveillance derivative of Dassault Aviation's Falcon 2000LXS business jet.

France orders five more Dassault Falcon 2000LXS-based Albatros maritime surveillance jets - will round out a 12-strong fleet of aircraft in the Avsimar role, with IOC due in late 2026 www.flightglobal.com/defence/fran...

Royal Navy clears Wildcat’s Sea Venom anti-ship missile for frontline use MBDA's Sea Venom anti-ship missile has been declared ready for use with the Royal Navy's Leonardo Helicopters Wildcat rotorcraft.

UK Royal Navy clears Wildcat’s MBDA Sea Venom anti-ship missile for frontline use, after deployment in support of HMS Prince of Wales-led Carrier Strike Group 25 activity. www.flightglobal.com/defence/roya...

Check out the latest FlightGlobal Focus podcast: my colleague Greg Waldron and I chat about all things drone warfare, including the rise of 'one-way effectors' open.spotify.com/show/4FH4ee7...

South Korea picks L3Harris-led team for new AEW&C jet Seoul has selected a team comprising Israel Aerospace Industries' Elta Systems unit, Korean Air and prime contractor L3Harris Technologies to supply its future batch of airborne early warning and cont...

South Korea picks L3Harris Technology-led team for AEW&C II-programme jets (4), using conformal array-equipped Bombardier Global 6500 'Phoenix'. Big win for US company, beating rivals Boeing and Saab www.flightglobal.com/defence/sout...

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?

Kuwait extends Eurofighter in-service support deal with Leonardo through 2029 Leonardo is to provide continued in-service support for the Kuwait air force's still-growing fleet of Eurofighter Typhoons, with the Gulf state having exercised a follow-on option.

Kuwait extends Eurofighter in-service support deal with Leonardo through 2029. Gulf operator has received about 20 of its on-order Typhoons so far www.flightglobal.com/defence/kuwa...

Airbus Helicopters eyes fresh sales boost for military H145M Airbus Helicopters hopes to confirm additional orders for its H145M before the end of 2025, as it continues work to bring further capabilities onto the military light-twin.

Airbus Helicopters eyes fresh sales boost for military H145M. From recent interview with programme head - yesterday it emerged that Spain could potentially become a major new customer for the type... www.flightglobal.com/defence/airb...