A Forecast International blog about the arms trade, geopolitics, defense and security, and military spending.
The standing of the Freedom class (LCS 1) in the naval world may best be summarized by saying that while it turned into a somewhat satisfactory class of ship, it …
U.S. Littoral Combat Ship Freedom Class Variant: Cheaper to Give Away Than Fix or Even Junk? Read More
The U.S. Navy submarine force structure calls for 66 SSN attack submarines (all classes) with a remote possibility of up to 72 SSNs. The projected Virginia class production run …
Can Virginia Class Submarine Procurement Demands Keep Up with Industry Infrastructure Capability Read More
On October 4, 2023, steel was first cut for Brazil’s future nuclear attack submarine Alvaro Alberto in a ceremony held by the Brazilian Navy and the Brazilian state-owned company Itaguai …
Construction Starts on Brazil’s First Nuclear Submarine Read More
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
Following the arrival of Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in New Delhi for a two-day visit, reports indicate that a Memorandum of Understanding is expected to be signed regarding a …
German Submarine Deal Nears as India Seeks Non-Russian Defense Solutions 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