European multirole fighter, a joint UK-Germany-Italy-Spain program
Weather delays across North America have postponed the Red Arrows’ Atlantic crossing, forcing them to miss events in Eastbourne, Edinburgh and Lyme Regis. RAF officials say safety remains the priority as teams plan a multi-leg journey back to the UK, with flyovers at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo still scheduled by other aircraft.
The Hawk T2 training jet has crashed near Anglesey’s RAF Valley. Pilots have ejected and are treated for minor injuries. The RAF has paused Hawk T1 and T2 flying operations as a formal investigation begins, with the Red Arrows also affected by the pause.
Latvia has held parliamentary elections amid concern about Russian influence on the eastern flank. A four-party coalition led by Kulbergs has been formed, with turnout around 1.56 million eligible voters. NATO has reinforced airspace protection during the vote; Latvia's security service has found no significant interference so far. Polls close around 1700 GMT.
Britain is shaping a new air and missile defence system to protect critical infrastructure and overseas territories. The government has set out plans to invest £10 billion over ten years, arguing the system will be tailored to Britain’s threats rather than copying Israel’s Iron Dome.
The UK has deployed RAF Typhoon jets, an A400M transport and military advisers to Saudi Arabia to fly defensive missions against missiles and drones. France has sent soldiers, radars and air-defence systems to protect the Red Sea port of Yanbu. Both governments have said their roles are defensive as Houthi strikes on Saudi airports and energy sites have escalated since September.
The US State Department has ordered non-emergency government employees and their families to depart Saudi Arabia after a sharp rise in Houthi missile and drone attacks that have hit airports and energy sites, killed civilians and disrupted flights. Washington says the order applies only to Saudi Arabia and that other Gulf embassy withdrawals reported by some outlets are inaccurate.
Taiz remains encircled by Houthi forces, with road links to Aden blocked and UN agencies warning of dwindling water, fuel and food. More than 800,000 people in Taiz are cut off from aid, while hospitals report critical shortages as aid deliveries become increasingly difficult.
A private geospatial firm has found that Russian military and government satellites have been orbiting above Saudi oil and military sites before and after missile and drone strikes between July and October. Investigators and Saudi officials have linked the satellite activity to improved targeting by Iran-backed Houthis and allied militias, which has hit pipeline pumping stations and a Saudi air base.
Since Tuesday, at least seven passenger flights across Europe have reported bomb threats. Authorities have searched aircraft in Poland, Italy, Spain, Bulgaria and elsewhere; fighter jets have escorted at least one flight and a Warsaw airport briefly closed. All planes have landed safely and searches have found no explosives.
European skies are disrupted as multiple flights receive hoax bomb threats. Jets are escorted or diverted; no injuries are reported. Authorities say threats span several countries, with no accountability identified yet. The situation is ongoing and being monitored.