Craig Langford
Craig initially trained as a mechanical engineer, but after a brief and disillusioning stint designing ventilation systems, he pivoted to journalism.
US Air Force designates Talon prototype as YFQ-48A
The US Air Force has assigned the designation YFQ-48A to Northrop Grumman’s Project Talon prototype, marking its formal entry into the service’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft programme.
Lithuania orders RBS 70 Bolide missiles from Saab
Saab has received an order for RBS 70 Bolide short-range air defence missiles from the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence, with deliveries planned between 2028 and 2032, according to the company.
Raytheon radar selected for autonomous VISTA test jet
VISTA, a modified F-16D Block 30 with updated avionics and machine-learning integration, is used to trial artificial intelligence.
UK confirms closure of less-lethal weapons advisory body
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the Scientific Advisory Committee on the Medical Implications of Less-Lethal Weapons has been closed, with its advisory role transferred to a Home Office body.
Welsh Cavalry sharpen marksmanship in live-fire training
Soldiers from 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards have completed a week of live-fire marksmanship training in Cumbria aimed at maintaining combat readiness and weapons proficiency, according to the British Army.
UK enters assessment phase for Patria 6×6 vehicle
The UK has entered the assessment phase of a multinational armoured vehicle programme centred on the Patria 6x6, with no procurement decision yet taken, the UK Defence Journal understands.
Royal Navy’s Proteus drone to fly in January
The Ministry of Defence has said no weapon system has yet been selected for the Royal Navy’s planned uncrewed helicopter, while confirming that the Proteus demonstrator is expected to achieve its first flight this month.
MOD distances itself from naval college upkeep
The Ministry of Defence has said it works closely with organisations linked to the Old Royal Naval College but does not hold responsibility for the site’s heritage upkeep, employment or day-to-day public access.
QinetiQ secures £67m role in Royal Navy laser weapon effort
QinetiQ has been awarded a £67 million contract to support the delivery of the UK’s first laser directed energy weapons to Royal Navy platforms, with initial integration planned from 2027.
AN/AQS-24 paired with US Navy drone vessel
Northrop Grumman has demonstrated the integration of its AN/AQS-24 minehunting system with a U.S. Navy Mine Countermeasures Unmanned Surface Vehicle, completing initial open-water testing within 45 days of contract award, according to the company.
