A Forecast International blog about the arms trade, geopolitics, defense and security, and military spending.
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
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
by David Hutchins and Shaun McDougall The Biden administration unveiled its inaugural National Defense Industrial Base Strategy earlier this month, outlining the military’s plans to bolster the domestic supply base …
Briefer: National Defense Industrial Strategy Read More
On Oct. 13, 2022, Germany and 14 NATO allies signed a non-binding letter of intent to pursue the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), an integrated air-defense and anti-missile system. The …
Germany Forges Path To Leadership Through The European Sky Shield Initiative Read More
The Belarusian government has drafted a new military doctrine that, for the first time, accounts for the usage of nuclear weapons. The new doctrine will reflect the rapid change in …
Belarusian Military Doctrine Updated for Nuclear Weapons Read More
“War has returned to Europe. Germany and its allies once again confront a military threat. The international order is being attacked in Europe and around the world. We are experiencing …
Germany Faces Tall Task in Reversing Bundeswehr’s Decline Read More