Craig Langford
Craig initially trained as a mechanical engineer, but after a brief and disillusioning stint designing ventilation systems, he pivoted to journalism.
UK leads record Ukraine trade mission to boost defence ties
A record 51 UK and international firms took part in the fifth UK-Ukraine trade mission in Kyiv this week—the largest British-led delegation to Ukraine to date—deepening defence cooperation and reinforcing multinational support for Ukraine.
Elbit wins $330m in naval defence contracts across NATO
Elbit has secured a series of naval defence contracts worth approximately $330 million from international customers, including NATO member states, as the Israeli firm strengthens its position in the maritime sector.
Swift Response 25 sees NATO forces deploy across Europe
The choice of locations—many close to Russia’s borders—further underlined the strategic message behind the exercise.
Defence jobs to grow in western Scotland
The UK Government has reaffirmed its commitment to using defence investment as a tool for economic development across the nations and regions of the UK, including the west of Scotland.
UK backs troop mobility push to support Estonia
The UK is stepping up efforts to boost military mobility across Europe, with Defence Minister Luke Pollard citing Exercise Hedgehog as a live demonstration of Britain’s commitment to NATO’s eastern flank.
UK-Germany strike missile plans lack detail
Plans for a new long-range strike missile jointly developed by the UK and Germany remain in the early conceptual stage, with key technical decisions yet to be finalised.
UK-EU defence pact won’t give ECJ new powers, says MOD
The Ministry of Defence has clarified that the newly announced Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) with the European Union does not grant additional oversight or powers to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) over British defence matters—either in Great Britain or Northern Ireland.
Plans to expand cadet forces in state schools
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed plans to expand Combined Cadet Forces (CCFs) in state schools as part of a broader effort to improve youth development and opportunity.
MOD confirms Puma gap fix as H145s prep for 2026 ops
The Ministry of Defence has responded to concerns over a potential capability gap following the retirement of Puma helicopters in Cyprus and Brunei, confirming mitigation measures are in place until their replacements—the Airbus H145 Jupiter HC2—become fully operational in 2026.
Russian spyship operating off Scottish coast – again
HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer, was sent to track the Russian intelligence collection ship Yuri Ivanov as it lingered off the Outer Hebrides.
