A Forecast International blog about the arms trade, geopolitics, defense and security, and military spending.
South Africa is a long participant in the international defense market. During the Cold War, the South African government invested heavily in developing a domestic arms design and production capability. …
Can South African Missile Programs Survive? Read More
In a shocking development, Army leaders told reporters yesterday they are canceling the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) program. The course change will alter long-range strategic aviation plans for the …
Army Drops Multi-Billion Dollar FARA Helicopter Program Read More
The Department of Defense’s (DOD) V-22 Osprey fleet remains grounded (save for one deployed Marine unit), having not flown since before the beginning of the new year. Each additional no-fly …
Grounded: Assessing the V-22 Osprey’s Challenges Read More
The US Space Force (USSF) received a substantial boost in its 2024 budget, securing a significant 15% increase compared to Fiscal Year 2023. This $30 billion budget empowers the USSF …
Space Force’s Top Three Budget Items Read More
Late last month, Leonardo DRS announced the delivery of its 1,000th Solaris laser system component for the U.S. Army’s Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM) anti-missile system. According to the company, the …
New Milestone Highlights Multi-Billion Dollar IR Countermeasures Program Advancement Read More
The U.S. Navy’s selection of the Italian version of FREMM for its FFG 62 Constellation class frigate program can only be described as a stunning success for Fincantieri. This decision …
FFG 62 Constellation Class Frigate Program Running Late Out the Gate Read More
As part of an effort to expand its operations in Romania and Europe overall, Rheinmetall is acquiring a controlling stake in Romanian vehicle maker Automecanica Mediaș. The announcement follows an …
Rheinmetall Acquires Majority Stake In Romanian Military Vehicle Maker Read More
To say the U.S. FY24 budget process has been tumultuous would be an understatement. In addition to the commonplace continuing resolutions that are needed to avoid shutdowns when Congress is …
A Preview of FY24 U.S. Congressional Defense Budget Negotiations Read More
The U.S. State Department reported that FY2023 U.S. military exports rose to a record $238 billion, up almost 16 percent from $206 billion in FY2022. The major driver in this …
Strong Global Demand Pushes U.S. Military Exports to a Record $238 Billion Read More
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