A Forecast International blog about the arms trade, geopolitics, defense and security, and military spending.
Donald Trump’s return to the White House, coupled with Republican control of Congress, is set to reshape U.S. defense policy. While many defense modernization programs will remain on track, a …
What Trump’s Second Term Could Mean for U.S. Defense Policy Read More
Britain’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, has announced a £2.9 billion ($3.77 billion) hike for the defense budget in fiscal year 2025-2026. The announcement came as the chancellor presented …
Labor Government Pledges More Funding Next Year for U.K. Defense, But Hard Questions Await Read More
A year after Oct. 7, the Middle East is in the midst of one of its most widespread conflicts in recent memory, with new developments coming at a dizzying rate. …
Northern Front: Israel’s Expanding Conflict with Hezbollah and Iranian Regional Influence Read More
Ireland’s Ministry of Defense announced a topline budget of €1.35 billion ($1.5 billion) for fiscal year 2025 on October 1. The FY25 allocation marks a €100 million ($111 million) rise …
Ireland Announces Record $1.5 Billion Defense Budget for 2025 Read More
The Dutch Ministry of Defense issued a new white paper on military development last week, urging further funding for new procurement and personnel. The paper, which follows a similar missive …
Dutch Ministry of Defense Publishes New Defense White Paper Read More
Japan’s Ministry of Defense has submitted a budget request of ¥8.54 trillion ($59.76 billion) for fiscal year 2025 (FY25). The requested total marks a 7.5 percent increase over the current …
No Going Back: Japan Continues to Hike Defense Spending Read More
The recent military coups in West Africa have severely impacted U.S. and French counterterrorism and intelligence operations in the region. Niger, a key ally in the fight against Islamist extremism, …
AFRICOM Scrambles To Sustain Intel Operations In West Africa Read More
In June, the Nigerian Army achieved a significant milestone by acquiring two UH-1H “Huey” helicopters, formally establishing its new Aviation Wing. This move is part of a broader strategy to …
Nigeria Expands Army Aviation Amid Regional Security Read More
A recent failed coup attempt in Bolivia has sparked outrage, concern and a conflict of narratives, as some observers doubt the origin of the uprising. Swirling allegations in a country …
Bolivia’s Controversial Coup Attempt Underscores Internal Tensions Read More
On June 1, 2024, the Netherlands made history, becoming the first country to officially assign its F-35A stealth fighters to the nuclear strike role, a significant milestone for NATO’s military …
Netherlands Enhances Nuclear Arsenal with F-35A: A New Era in NATO-Russia Tensions Read More