A Forecast International blog about the arms trade, geopolitics, defense and security, and military spending.
The Navy’s newly released long-range shipbuilding plan carries an ambitious price tag: around $1.2 trillion for new ship construction over 30 years, more than 30 percent above what the previous …
The Navy’s Golden Fleet Has a Price Problem Read More
The ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war and the conflict in Iran have highlighted a factor in modern warfare that has become commonplace: drones are here to stay. From Ukraine’s rapid integration of …
From Ukraine to Jalisco How Mexican Cartels Weaponized the Skies Read More
In 2023, the Pentagon announced the Replicator Initiative with fanfare, aiming to field vast numbers of affordable, expendable drones as a strategic counter to China. However, by 2025, the program …
A New DAWG in the Fight: The Pentagon’s $54 Billion Bet on Autonomous Warfare Read More
Ground demonstration of the Barracuda 500M air-breathing autonomous cruise missile. Source: Anduril Anduril has expanded its role within the U.S. missile production ecosystem, emerging as the country’s third solid …
Barracuda-500M Affordable Cruise Missiles at Scale Read More
The TArgeting Long-Range Identification Optronic System, or TALIOS, is an electro-optical, dual-use laser designation pod for targeting and reconnaissance. It is produced by French defense firm Thales as the successor …
The TALIOS Targeting Pod: Features and Prospects Read More
German defense industrial giant Rheinmetall has submitted a non-binding bid to acquire German Naval Yards Kiel (GNYK), a key shipyard on the Baltic Sea coast. The bid, announced by company …
Rheinmetall’s GNYK Bid Raises Stakes in German Naval Shipbuilding Race Read More
Since the start of military operations against Iran, U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft have been participating in multiple missions, launching from the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald …
A Multi-Billion Dollar “Ghost” and the Rise of Electronic Attack Read More
The White House recently released a historic $1.5 trillion national security budget that sets out expansive investment plans for munitions, shipbuilding, drones, and emerging technologies, while also pouring billions into …
Inside the Pentagon’s Historic $1.5 Trillion FY27 Budget Request Read More
Demonstration of the PAC‑3 Missile Segment Enhancement integrated into the Aegis Combat System. Source: Lockheed Martin The U.S. Navy is set to become the second U.S. service branch to operate …
PAC‑3 MSE Integration and the Future of U.S. Naval Missile Defense Read More
During the first quarter of 2026, the U.S. government approved over $45 billion in potential Foreign Military Sales (FMS) with the overwhelming majority supporting Middle Eastern allies. Of total global …
War Dividends: Potential U.S. Arms Sales to the Middle East Surge in Q1 2026 Read More