A Forecast International blog about the arms trade, geopolitics, defense and security, and military spending.
The Asia-Pacific region remains the most dynamic security environment globally. The war in Ukraine refocused nations on bolstering defenses, particularly against China’s growing military power. Countries like Japan and Taiwan …
Global Defense Spending Annual Part 2 – Asia & Eurasia Read More
Aircraft and combat vehicles were among the big winners of the final FY24 defense appropriations bill, while spending on missiles and space programs saw a decline compared to the administrator’s …
Aircraft and Combat Vehicles Drive Growth in Pentagon’s FY24 Spending Bill Read More
Tension flared following a visit by a U.S. delegation to Niger in March, prompting Niger’s military junta to swiftly terminate a pivotal military agreement with the U.S. This decision follows …
Russia Exploits Western Vacuum in Africa’s Sahel Region Read More
Total global defense spending grew at its fastest pace in the last decade from 2022 to 2023, as governments respond to security crises unfolding around the world. Combined military …
Global Defense Spending Annual Snapshot – Part 1 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
Canada issued a new defense policy that calls for an increase in defense spending for new equipment and to bolster the military’s presence in the Arctic and abroad. However, the policy …
New Canadian Defense Policy Promises Increased Spending but Leaves Some Questions Unanswered 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
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