A Forecast International blog about the arms trade, geopolitics, defense and security, and military spending.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced he will step down as prime minister and leader of the Liberal Party, ending a tenure that lasted nearly a decade. Trudeau has faced …
Justin Trudeau Stepping Down as Prime Minister of Canada Read More
Over a decade after protests sprung up against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2011, rebel forces, long on the back foot of the conflict, have accomplished the unthinkable and toppled …
Syria at a Crossroads After Assad’s Stunning Collapse Read More
The Middle East’s share of U.S. arms imports has steadily declined, a trend largely influenced by the U.S. policy of ensuring Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge (QME). This legally mandated policy, …
US, Israel, China, and the Shifting Arms Trade in the Middle East Read More
On November 20, U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey announced a slate of decommissioning initiatives aimed at saving £500 million ($623 million) over five years. The equipment slated for retirement, the …
Ahead of Strategic Defense Review, UK Defense Secretary Announces Equipment Cuts Read More
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