A Forecast International blog about the arms trade, geopolitics, defense and security, and military spending.
China’s aircraft carrier program was already lagging due to an economic slowdown when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Technical issues with the design of the next group of carriers only exacerbated …
China’s Aircraft Carrier Program to Take Battle Beyond Its Shores Read More
In this final part of the Global Annual Defense Spending Snapshot series, Forecast International analysts examine defense spending trends in regions shaping 56% of the global landscape — Europe and …
Global Defense Spending Annual Part 4 – Europe & USA Read More
In attending two spring tradeshows just one week apart, — the Army Aviation Mision Solutions Summit (April 24th-26th) and Modern Day Marine (April 30th-May 2nd) — it was impossible to …
AAAA and Modern Day Marine Tradeshows Highlight Demand for UAS and C-UAS Read More
For decades the South China Sea has been the site of simmering disputes over ownership of the many small reefs, shoals and islands that dot the approximately 1.4 million sq-mi …
Philippine-Chinese Tensions Escalate Over Disputed Shoal Read More
In this part of the Global Annual Defense Spending Snapshot series, Forecast International analysts examine defense spending trends in regions representing 13% of the global defense landscape — Africa, Latin …
Global Defense Spending Annual Part 3 – Africa, Latin America & The Middle East Read More
Aware of the increasing stresses to its strategic environment, Australia is moving forward with its largest shipbuilding investment since the Second World War. The aim is to replenish and expand …
Australia’s Ambitious Warship Building Plan Raises Questions Read More
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