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.
MOD cites family life and civilian jobs in troop exits
The Ministry of Defence has said that pressures on family life and opportunities outside the military remain the primary reasons personnel leave the armed forces, despite recent improvements in recruitment and retention.
RAF engineer retention scheme for F-35 costs £113.5m
The Ministry of Defence has disclosed that the RAF’s Financial Retention Incentive for engineers supporting the UK’s F-35 Lightning programme is worth approximately £113.5 million.
UK rules out keeping Warrior armoured vehicles in service
The Ministry of Defence has ruled out any extension to the planned withdrawal of the Warrior armoured vehicle, confirming it will leave service in 2027 as scheduled.
Rolls-Royce opens new engine overhaul facility in China
Rolls-Royce has officially opened Beijing Aero Engine Services Limited, a new maintenance, repair and overhaul joint venture with Air China, expanding its global capacity for servicing large civil aircraft engines.
US personnel killed in ISIS ambush during Syria engagement
Two US service members and a US civilian interpreter were killed in Syria on 13 December after an ambush by a lone ISIS gunman, according to US Central Command.
MOD points to early gains in retaining military engineers
Ministers say new pay incentives and flexible service terms are beginning to improve retention among engineering and technical specialists, despite continued competition from the civilian labour market.
UK to reach 3% defence spend next Parliament, Healey says
The UK remains committed to meeting NATO’s new defence spending benchmark of 5% of GDP by 2035, with defence spending set to rise to 3% in the next Parliament.
UK space collision warnings rise as activity stays high
Space activity affecting the UK remained elevated in November 2025, with a rise in collision warnings for UK-licensed satellites despite a fall in the number of objects re-entering Earth’s atmosphere, according to a new government report.
UK rejects €150bn EU defence fund over value concerns
The UK has confirmed it will not take part in the European Union’s €150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defence fund after failing to agree terms it considered good value, according to the government.
NATO deputy discusses Russia, Ukraine and drones at Aspen
NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska addressed alliance unity, relations with Russia and support for Ukraine during a fireside chat at the 2025 Aspen Security Forum in Washington.
