A Forecast International blog about the arms trade, geopolitics, defense and security, and military spending.
Japan’s Ministry of Defense has submitted a budget request of ¥8.54 trillion ($59.76 billion) for fiscal year 2025 (FY25). The requested total marks a 7.5 percent increase over the current …
No Going Back: Japan Continues to Hike Defense Spending Read More
With the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow just around the corner the usual question begins to emerge: What will be the hot topics, the major focuses during airshow week? Prior to …
Farnborough Airshow Week: A Preview from the Defense Angle Read More
The U.K. Royal Navy intends to purchase up to six new-build multirole support ships (MRSSs) as well as provide its future Type 26 and Type 31 frigates with ship-to-shore land-attack …
British Royal Navy to Purchase Six Multirole Support Ships, Bolster National Shipbuilding in Process Read More
Reports in South Korean media indicate that Indonesia is looking to renegotiate its involvement in joint development of the KF-21 Boramae combat aircraft. Concerned over costs incurred in joint development …
Indonesia Seeks Reduction to KF-21 Program Commitment Read More
Aware of the increasing stresses to its strategic environment, Australia is moving forward with its largest shipbuilding investment since the Second World War. The aim is to replenish and expand …
Australia’s Ambitious Warship Building Plan Raises Questions Read More
Defense Ministers for France and Germany have signed-off on an industrial workshare agreement to develop a future battle tank ground combat system. Formalized on April 26, the agreement will see …
France and Germany Formalize Agreement to Develop Future Main Battle Tank Read More
While the geopolitical focus of Washington policymakers currently appears firmly directed towards Ukraine and Gaza, the recent meeting between the leaders of Japan and the U.S. reinforced a growing security …
Joint Leader Statement Underlines Tighter U.S.-Japan Embrace Read More
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has declared his country’s intention of acquiring the Rafale jet fighter from France’s Dassault Aviation. The announcement – made while Vucic was on a two-day visit …
Serbia’s Potential Rafale Acquisition Signifies More Than Just a Fighter Decision Read More
The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced that it will move forward with procurement of 14 Boeing extended-range CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters following a nearly three-year postponement due largely …
U.K. Ready to Move Forward with Extended-Range Chinook Procurement Read More
The Dutch government has opted for a future submarine solution from French naval prime Naval Group per an announcement by State Secretary for Defense Christophe van der Maat on March …
Netherlands Selects Naval Group to Meet Future Submarine Needs Read More