Craig Langford
Trained as a mechanical engineer, Craig took an unconventional route into journalism, bringing with him a rare technical precision and analytical depth that continues to set his reporting apart.
F-35 bomb delivery date withheld on security grounds
The government has said it is withholding the delivery date for the Small Diameter Bomb II, procured as an interim standoff capability for the F-35 Lightning fleet.
Government plays down AUKUS workforce fears
The government has said it is confident that UK submarine facilities will continue to attract skilled personnel despite concerns about the potential impact of new AUKUS facilities in Australia drawing workers away from Barrow-in-Furness and Plymouth.
NavyPODS passes sea trials but deployment timeline unclear
The Royal Navy's Medical Navy Persistent Operational Deployment System has completed sea trials and reached Technology Readiness Level 8, though the government has confirmed delivery timelines remain subject to ongoing assessment
Sting Ray P-8 integration awaits further investment decision
Further phases of the Sting Ray Mod 1 integration onto the RAF's P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft are anticipated in 2027 but remain subject to investment decisions.
Belgian firm to acquire British rifle maker
The acquisition of Accuracy International would bring one of Britain's last independent precision rifle makers into the Belgian group's fold, consolidating a significant share of the UK's sovereign small arms manufacturing capability under a single foreign-owned entity.
Sweden gifts 16 Gripens to Ukraine with UK industry backing
Sweden will gift 16 Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine and facilitate the purchase of a further 20 new aircraft, in a deal that will see essential components built in Britain and support more than 5,000 UK jobs, the government has stated.
Armed Forces pay award delayed but will be backdated
The government has confirmed that this year's armed forces pay award has not yet been announced but will be backdated to 1 April 2026 when it is finalised, the UK Defence Journal understands.
UK and Poland sign defence treaty due to Russian threat
Britain and Poland have signed a landmark defence treaty promising to defend each other by military means, with both nations naming Russia as the most significant long-term threat to European security.
Royal Navy crewless mine-hunter docks in mothership
The Royal Navy's uncrewed mine-hunting vessel RNMB Ariadne has successfully docked inside mothership RFA Lyme Bay for the first time.
SYOS unveils underwater drone to complete multi-domain portfolio
SYOS has introduced the SU10 uncrewed underwater vehicle, extending its autonomous portfolio from air, land and sea into the subsurface domain.
