A Forecast International blog about the arms trade, geopolitics, defense and security, and military spending.
As tensions boil in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, where Iran-backed Yemeni Houthi militants have hijacked and attacked commercial shipping over the past months, the international community has …
India Steps Up Counter-Piracy Amid Red Sea Tensions Read More
The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, coupled with rising tensions in Asia over Taiwan and Korea, are fueling an increase in defense spending. This has resulted in a boost …
Top 100 Defense Contractors 2023 Read More
Switchblade 300 is a back-packable and rapidly deployable loitering munition system for use against beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) targets. Image – AeroVironment, Inc.Loitering munitions, often dubbed “kamikaze” or “suicide drones,” are a …
The Evolving Landscape of Loitering Munitions Read More
U.S. Air Force leaders unveiled an extensive effort to reshape the Air Force and Space Force to make them more competitive and capable of competing in the era of Great …
U.S. Air Force Unveils Major Changes to Outpace Future Threats 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
More than 12 years after disbanding its last two tank battalions and mothballing and selling off the entire Royal Netherlands Army fleet of upgraded Leopard 2A6 tanks, Dutch defense officials …
The Netherlands Hope of Resurrecting a Lost Defense Capability Faces Hurdles 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
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
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