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.
US to retain control of nuclear bombs on UK F-35A jets
Defence Minister Lord Coaker clarified that while the UK controls the deployment and use of its F-35A aircraft, any American nuclear warheads they may carry under NATO’s nuclear sharing arrangements would remain under US custody and require US authorisation for release.
Minister defends Indo-Pacific carrier deployments
The UK must continue to deploy naval forces globally, including to the Indo-Pacific, in support of allies and open trade routes, Minister of State at the Ministry of Defence Lord Coaker told the House of Lords.
UK sets 2033 target for F-35A and F-35B procurement
The UK expects to complete procurement of an additional 12 F-35A and 15 F-35B aircraft by 2033, with the initial batch of 48 F-35Bs due for delivery by March 2026.
UK, France and Italy align carriers for Indo-Pacific mission
The UK has confirmed that it is working alongside France and Italy to sequence aircraft carrier deployments in the Indo-Pacific, reinforcing a shared European commitment to regional security.
UK leaves door open for future ice breaker buy
The Ministry of Defence has suggested that a future icebreaker could form part of Britain’s long-term Arctic strategy, though no firm commitment has been made.
UK ‘ready to fight’ Russia but risks remain
Britain would be ready to fight as part of a NATO response in 2025, but senior defence leaders today acknowledged there are still risks to the UK’s fighting readiness.
Russian submarine shadowed in and around British waters
HMS Mersey was deployed alongside a Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron and a Merlin Mk2 from 824 Naval Air Squadron to monitor the Russian Navy’s Kilo-class submarine Novorossiysk and her accompanying Goryn-class tug Yakov Grebelski.
Britain lays battle plans to secure Atlantic against Russia
The plans are designed to ensure safe passage for reinforcement shipping into Europe in the event of crisis or war, particularly in response to an evolving Russian naval threat.
Royal Navy awards contract to survey wreck of HMS Cassandra
A nearly £800,000 contract has been awarded by the Ministry of Defence for a detailed wreck survey of HMS Cassandra, a British light cruiser lost in the Baltic Sea during the closing weeks of the First World War.
MPs clash over cost of Diego Garcia deal
The UK is not required to seek permission from Mauritius before taking military action from Diego Garcia—only to notify them afterwards, the Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard clarified.
