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.
Eighty-five per cent of defence manufacturing spend in UK
Eighty-five per cent of the Ministry of Defence’s direct spending with industry on manufacturing pays for work taking place in the UK, say the department.
British destroyer missile upgrade second stage still under review
The Ministry of Defence continues to consider the second stage of Sea Viper Evolution, using the Aster 30 Block 1 NT missile, as part of wider capability planning, according to an answer given in Parliament.
Concept phase for Britain’s new assault rifle due to end next year
Project Grayburn, the programme examining a replacement for the SA80 family of weapons, is due to complete its concept phase in the second quarter of 2027, according to defence minister Luke Pollard.
Forces employer National Insurance bill nears one billion
Employer National Insurance contributions for Armed Forces personnel rose from about £721 million in 2023-24 to about £765 million in 2024-25 and about £978 million in the following year.
RAF A400M firefighting kit ready for next year’s wildfires
The RAF is procuring an initial containerised aerial firefighting capability for the A400M Atlas, which will be available to support the 2027 wildfire season.
BAE Systems lined up for Spearfish torpedo development work
The Ministry of Defence is considering a single-source contract worth about £30 million with BAE Systems for development work on the Royal Navy’s Spearfish torpedo.
More new Aster Block 1 missiles due for Royal Navy this year
Additional deliveries of new Aster Block 1 missiles will begin later this year, and considerable progress has been made over the past twelve months on upgrading existing Royal Navy missiles to the same standard.
FN Browning completes takeover of Accuracy International
FN Browning Group has completed its purchase of Portsmouth rifle maker Accuracy International.
Dartmoor Army challenge draws NHS staff into the Reserve
More than 16 healthcare teams tackled casualty care and blindfolded navigation on Dartmoor during Exercise Medical Endeavour.
British patrol ship ‘opens fire’ near Falkland Islands
HMS Medway has put 120 rounds downrange from her 30mm automatic gun during training in the South Atlantic, carried out with staff from Flag Officer Sea Training embarked, according to the Royal Navy.
