A Forecast International blog about the arms trade, geopolitics, defense and security, and military spending.
The U.S. Navy’s Surface Ship Torpedo Defense (SSTD) program provides a detect-to-engage layered torpedo defense capability. The four major systems that comprise the U.S. SSTD are the SLQ-25 NIXIE system, …
Only Thing Sailors Seem to Hate More Than Sharks is Torpedoes Read More
When is a monopoly not a monopoly? When it is a joint venture – until it’s not. Sonobuoy manufacturer ERAPSCO (a joint venture between Sparton and Ultra Maritime) announced on …
Sonobuoy Olympus Has Fallen Read More
The operation of a ballistic missile nuclear submarine (SSBN) fleet is the price of admission to the “top table” of national prestige and influence. A great power operates SSBNs; if …
With Silent Power Comes Unspoken Responsibility Read More
The program to develop the Expeditionary Fast Transport (T-EPF) Spearhead class (previously known as the Joint High Speed Vessel, or JHSV) is popular with the U.S. Congress due to the …
T-EPF Spearhead Expeditionary Fast Transport Read More
In less than a few years, the Type 26 frigate has vaulted from a small, also-ran program to the leading contender in the international surface combatant market. With the signed …
Type 26 Frigate Makes a Show of Force in Market as Possibly Most Successful British Surface Combatant in Decades Read More
With a total of four Arihant class ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) planned, an Indian sea-based deterrent force is now an established reality. These submarines are being supported by large-scale investment …
India Levels Up in Nuclear Submarines Read More
The nuclear submarine program of China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is fraught with contradictory information, speculation, and propaganda. The lack of valid and verified information is a vivid reminder …
China’s Nuclear Submarine Program: Fact vs. Fiction Read More
India’s efforts to bring the Vikrant on line were given added urgency with the Chinese commissioning of the aircraft carrier Shandong in December 2019. In January 2020, the Indian Ministry …
India’s Aircraft Carrier Program Can’t Keep Up with China’s Read More
The veteran Russian Project 1135(V) class frigate design appears destined to be an Indian-dominated program, with India having 20 ships of record (ordered, under construction, or in service), tying Russia’s …
Can Russian Frigates Outsell FREMM Design Ships? Read More
Interest in undersea warfare is experiencing a resurgence following years of neglect in favor of airborne and land-based operations. This revival is being driven by China’s increasing aggression in the …
Assertive Actions by Russia and China Spur Revival in the Market for Submarine Tracking Systems Read More